Piracy harming Moroccan artists

By Richard Hamilton
BBC News, Morocco

Pirate DVDs are on sale in Moroccan souks for less than a dollar

Millions of illegal DVDs are flooding into Morocco's traditional markets.

"Illegal copying in Morocco is like a tsunami - it destroys everything," says an official from the recording industry.

So far this year the authorities have carried out 17 raids in Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh and Meknes, seizing more than 1.5 million illegal CDs and DVDs.

But many more are being sold at stalls and souks across the country.

"It is very sad that Morocco is one of the countries worst affected by this piracy," says Khalid El Nakri from the Professional Association of Phonographic Publishers (APPE).

Even if I can afford the original, I prefer to buy the illegal ones Customer in Rabat

"Every artistic endeavour is affected," he explains, "including television broadcasts, televised football matches and films - both locally and abroad."

The average DVD sells for less than a dollar - a fraction of the normal price.

"Even if I can afford the original, I prefer to buy the illegal ones," says one customer at the souk in Rabat.

The reason, he says, is simple - they are cheaper and they have the same sound quality.

There is also a huge selection. Thousands of photocopied covers reveal popular film titles as well as the names of famous musicians. The market for music CDs is huge.

Those caught selling illegal copies of CDs and DVDs will face fines

However, many of those involved are not happy with the way the industry is going.

Top recording artist Malik at Platinum records says the problem is getting bigger and bigger.

"Twenty-five years ago when I began the informal market was about 40%. Today it's about 90%," he says.

About 40 million albums are sold every year in Morocco but very little of that ends up in the pockets of the recording artists - most of whom only make money out of concerts rather than CD sales.

A new copyright law which came into force in February this year means that those caught selling illegal copies of music and films will face hefty fines.

But, with millions more being copied all the time and pouring into this lucrative black market - recent seizures represent a drop in the ocean.