The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) has recently come under fire following alleged corruption and mismanagement uncovered in a forensic investigation conducted by Fundudzi Forensic Services. According to a report published by “City Press” R3.4 million in royalties was allegedly fraudulently claimed by publishers without proof of ownership, with allegations of collusion between Samro staff and external entities.

This scandal has raised serious questions about the organization’s transparency and governance, leaving many music creators in financial distress as their hard-earned royalties were siphoned off.
For decades, Samro has been the leading rights organization tasked with collecting and distributing royalties to over 50,000 composers, authors, and publishers. However, a pattern of multi-million rand scandals, including an earlier R50 million failed investment in the Middle East, has cast doubt on the organization’s ability to serve its members.

To further unpack we are joined by Thabo Mabogwane, Black Motion member who’s not satisfied with his royalties payout, Moses Mokgoko, Co-founder of  Spirit Motion and Tshepo Moloi, Co-founder of  Spirit Motion.