Top record label leaves artists hanging

UNIVERSAL Music Group (UMG) pulled a no-show for Mzansi musicians.

Musicians gathered in Rosebank, north of Joburg on Tuesday, 30 April, to march and submit a letter of demand to Universal Music, only to find the doors locked.

The memorandum was pushed underneath the locked doors because there was no one to accept it.

The letter of demand included immediate payment to artists for all digital royalties, medical aid for musicians, 30% of jobs in major record labels must be reserved for qualified musicians, and clear and comprehensive accounting must be made publicly. All of this should be responded to within 30 days.

Musicians raise their concerns during a march to Universal Music's headquarters. Photo by Sibongumenzi Sibiya

Musician Bongani Fassie shared his frustration about Universal Music and said what is happening is utter disrespect.

"Our main reason why we're here today is to get clarity and transparency. That's all we want. Unfortunately, the Universal Music Group is not here. It doesn't matter how many delay tactics are going to be put in front of us. We need to sit in the boardroom and hear each other's problems," Bongani said.

ALSO READ: 'Anele's screams got louder'

The son of the legendary late singer Brenda Fassie sang a few lines of Memeza, his mum's hit song and said times have changed and artists should be given what they deserve. 

Musicians say enough is enough.

"We're no longer in a physical era. It's very important for everyone in the music sector to understand that. When music companies lost out on physical sales, we went digital. There are so many discrepancies when it comes to money that needs to be distributed to artists," he said.

Chicco Thwala, one of the march organisers, said young artists should fight for what is theirs. 

Artists sing with one voice about abuse by record companies.

"It's important for young stars to invest your time in protests like this, because in five years' time you won't be making the hits that you're making now. There are lot of people here who were making hits but now they aren't. That's why we're fighting for them," said Chicco.

The march was attended by Freddy Gwala, Winnie Khumalo, Mara Louw, and Robbie Malinga's widow Ann Malinga, among other big names.

UMG managing director Manusha Sarawan said: "We take any complaint seriously. At UMG, our focus is on helping South African artists achieve their goals and build sustainable careers in the music industry, both here and abroad."