The proposed intellectual property bill that will restrict production and publication of traditional cultural expressions through dances, plays, stories, poetry, legends, riddles, narratives and production of art, drawing, carvings, sculptures, woodwork, basketry amongst others will give a big blow to the producers of oral literature.
The proposed bill, which is now before the national assembly, if passed into law will hinder creativity and slow down the production of art.
The bill seeks to protect traditional knowledge by prohibiting publication of traditional cultural expression without authorization from the holders of traditional knowledge.
I think this will not be practically possible. Writers are free thinkers. Writing sometimes comes spontaneously. Seeking authority to use traditional knowledge is like censoring a writer's thought.