samro blog

SAMRO Notes Winter 2009

The most recent edition of our magazine ‘SAMRO Notes’

How are Music Royalties distributed? Part 5 of 5

It is important for members to ensure that they notify SAMRO about any works which they compose. If SAMRO is unable to document the work (i.e. record the ownership details), then the member will not be paid any royalties for that work, even though it may participate in a distribution. Although such a work will share in a distribution if it is reported by a radio station or other user, it remains undocumented until the member provides information about the work.

How are Music Royalties distributed? Part 4 of 5

This, the 4th insert in our 5 part series explains ‘Royalties and undocumented works.’ What happens when SAMRO members fail to notify SAMRO of their interest or share in a musical work?

US digital pirate ordered to pay almost $2 million

A long-running digital piracy case in the American state of Minnesota has ended with a landmark ruling that a woman must pay $80,000 (about R650,000) per song to record companies for illegally downloading music tracks and violating copyright laws.

How are Music Royalties distributed? Part 3 of 5

Part 3: How royalty distributions are processed

We have seen how various elements need to be in place before SAMRO can process a royalty distribution for members. The main principle of a royalty distribution is that it is equitable to all parties. In achieving equity, however, consideration must be given to the source from where the money comes.

The digital era: Friend or foe of copyright?

The digital era is posing many challenges for the future of copyright protection, and there is an increasing need for global cooperation in the creative industries. These and other issues came under discussion at the 2nd World Copyright Summit, which took place in Washington, DC on 9 and 10 June 2009.
SAMRO CEO Nicholas Motsatse was [...]

Africa to be heard at crucial World Copyright Summit

Africa’s voice is to be heard on the crucial World Copyright Summit currently taking place in Washington, DC.
Leading Mozambican singer-songwriter Lizha James, a board member of Mozambican Authors Society (SOMAS), and SAMRO Chief Executive Officer, Nicholas Motsatse will represent the continent at the summit, joining 450 delegates from 53 countries.

How are Music Royalties distributed? Part 2 of 5

Part 2: What is needed to process a distribution?

In the previous instalment, the various types of rights – Performing, Mechanical and Needletime – that SAMRO administers on behalf of its members were outlined. In order for SAMRO to process a royalty distribution for any of these rights, various elements must be present:

On tour with Pops Mohamed

The multi-instrumentalist and jazz great gives us the inside edge on his performance schedule and current projects, in his own words

I recently got back from a two-week tour of The Netherlands and Holland with Khaya Mahlangu, Stella Khumalo and four young singers. We’re doing a collaboration project with a Belgian singer called Sioen. Sioen has a four-piece band, including himself on keyboard and acoustic guitar. The band consists of lead guitar, bass guitar and drums.

How are music royalties distributed? Part 1 of 5

How are music royalties distributed?
In our informative five-part weekly series, SAMRO Chief Operating Officer Gregory Zoghby explains in detail how SAMRO goes about collecting, processing and distributing royalties for its members.

Part 1: Royalties and rights
Part 2: What is needed to process a distribution?
Part 3: How royalty distributions are processed
Part 4: Royalties and undocumented works
Part 5: The importance of notifying SAMRO