Kinshasa, June 11th, 2025 (CPA) – A medal of honour for lifetime membership has been awarded to singer Koffi Olomide of the Democratic Republic of Congo by the Society of Authors, Composers, and Music Publishers (Sacem) during a ceremony on Tuesday in Paris, France, according to a video sent to CPA on Wednesday by the artist. “Koffi Olomide has been honoured on June 10th, 2025, in Paris, during a ceremony organized by Sacem, for his prolific contribution to the international music industry. The Congolese singer has received his permanent member medal, a prestigious recognition reserved for artists whose work has left a lasting mark on the music scene,” the video has showed. “The ceremony has taken place at the prestigious Sacem headquarters and brought together several personalities from the world of music who came to celebrate the Congolese singer’s undeniable contribution to the international music industry,” we can see in the image.
This distinction has rewarded Koffi Olomide’s entire discography, according to Yves Kambala, a Congolese music columnist witness of the event in Paris. “This permanent membership medal seals his status as a prolific composer, outstanding showman, and global icon of song,” he has declared in the video. According to Sacem’s operating principles, a permanent member has the same privileges (16 votes, statutory commissions, etc.) as a professional member. He can be elected (one year after his nomination) to become a director on the Society’s board of directors.
In addition to the privileges (16 votes, eligibility, etc.), being a permanent member also allows one to position oneself as an artist recognized by one’s peers. The recognition of the entire profession (composers, authors, publishers, majors, producers, directors) is an additional asset for extending one’s career, it has been reported. It should be noted that this French music copyright management society has been founded in 1851. In 2023, Sacem has collected €1.48 billion in France, a record amount. These royalties are then paid back to the creators. Regarding the rumours surrounding his concert scheduled at the Vincennes racecourse in Paris, Koffi Olomide has still not made an official statement to clarify whether the event, which has been removed from the French venue’s website, has been cancelled or confirmed. “I’ll be back… soon,” as promised the African music legend to CPA.