Joburg Musicians Protest Over Unpaid Royalties and Demand Accountability
JOHANNESBURG — A group of frustrated Joburg musicians took to the streets of the city’s central business district (CBD) on Thursday, staging a powerful demonstration to demand answers and transparency from the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) regarding unpaid royalties.
The protest, which drew artists from across Gauteng, ended at SAMRO’s head office, where the demonstrators handed over a detailed memorandum of demands. Chanting, singing, and waving placards, the musicians made their message clear — they want accountability, fair compensation, and ethical leadership within the organization that is meant to protect their creative rights.
A lively yet determined crowd of Joburg musicians marched through the CBD streets, their collective voices echoing through downtown Johannesburg as they called for justice for artists who have long battled delayed or missing royalty payments.
The demonstration, described by participants as both emotional and empowering, was a culmination of growing frustrations within South Africa’s creative community. For years, artists have accused SAMRO of mismanagement, opaque financial practices, and poor communication regarding royalties collected on behalf of musicians and composers.
The Joburg musicians leading the protest said their goal was to compel SAMRO to take immediate corrective action and to begin restoring trust within the industry.
“We are not asking for charity,” one protester shouted through a megaphone. “We are demanding what rightfully belongs to us.”
Inside the Joburg Musicians’ Memorandum of Demands
At SAMRO’s offices, the Joburg musicians formally handed over a memorandum outlining their main grievances and proposed solutions. The document calls for:
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Transparency in how royalties are calculated, distributed, and reported.
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Independent audits to ensure funds are not mismanaged.
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Ethical governance within SAMRO’s leadership structures.
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Protection of artists’ rights through fair and timely royalty payments.
The memorandum also demanded that SAMRO hold regular consultations with musicians to improve accountability and communication. Protesters said they expected a written response from the organization within seven working days.
Among the many artists who addressed the crowd was renowned musician and activist Nomsa Mazwai, who shared her personal frustrations with the organization. Her emotional testimony resonated with fellow creatives who have faced similar struggles.
“When I came to claim my money that I rightfully owned — which they had collected — they told me my money had prescribed,” Mazwai said. “Because SAMRO is very good at collecting artists’ money, but terrible at paying it out. SAMRO collects close to a billion rand a year.”
Her words drew loud applause and cheers of agreement from the crowd.
Mazwai added that artists have reached their breaking point after years of feeling sidelined and exploited. “We’ve had enough of being robbed of what belongs to us,” she declared. “We are united now — and we won’t stop until there is justice.”
The South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) is responsible for collecting royalties on behalf of composers, authors, and publishers when their music is played publicly or broadcast. However, Joburg musicians say that despite SAMRO’s promises of transparency, many artists still face unexplained delays, underpayments, and in some cases, non-payment altogether.
SAMRO has faced similar accusations in the past, with artists complaining about poor administration and lack of clarity on how royalty amounts are determined. Thursday’s protest once again brought those issues to the forefront, signaling that the creative community is no longer willing to remain silent.
Industry observers say the demonstration marks a pivotal moment for South Africa’s music sector — one that could push for long-overdue reform.
The protest showcased not only frustration but also solidarity among Joburg musicians from various genres — from gospel and hip-hop to jazz and amapiano. Participants emphasized that the movement was not about confrontation but about fairness and respect for artistic labor.
Some artists carried posters reading “Pay What You Owe” and “Artists Deserve Better,” while others sang popular South African songs in unison as a symbol of unity. The atmosphere remained peaceful and well-organized, with artists stressing that their fight was for all musicians — including future generations.
“This is not just about us,” said one young performer. “It’s about ensuring that upcoming artists don’t suffer the same injustices. We want to fix this system once and for all.”
Following the protest, SAMRO acknowledged receipt of the memorandum but did not immediately issue a public statement. Organizers said they are prepared to continue their advocacy if the organization fails to respond within the agreed timeframe.
The Joburg musicians have also hinted at forming a permanent artist-led committee to monitor SAMRO’s actions and ensure ongoing accountability.
For many, the protest represents a turning point in the relationship between artists and industry institutions. It highlights growing awareness among creatives about their legal and financial rights — and the collective power they hold when they stand together.
As the crowd dispersed later that afternoon, the message remained loud and clear: Joburg musicians are done waiting for justice. They are reclaiming their voices, their power, and the royalties they rightfully deserve.
Source- EWN
