SAMRO'S XMAS BONUS

According to several reports, 6177 music writers and publishers will share in a R56,8m payout from The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro). Samro earned that amount through investing royalties that it collected in its past financial year for composers, publishers and heirs to deceased composers estates, who now qualify to share the amount. The annual payout is over and above the performing rights royalties that members receive. Leon van Wyk, executive GM of international affairs at Samro, said royalties were held in trust by the organisation while playlist us age details were worked out and royalties attributed to the correct person.

Afro Leo calculates that the avg payout would be around R9250 (+-$1000) per writer/publisher which is good news, especially against the tide of piracy reports (resulting in lost royalties) affecting the local industry. Readers should note that the payout is less than it was last year and although the report cites volatile investment markets and a decrease in music sales, it also reports that Samro recorded a record year's gross revenue for the financial year to June...that said, much has happened since June.