Thami akaMbongo: Pay Our Royalties Movement (PORM) raises the banner for musician rights in South Africa.

In a historic gathering at the Universal Music Group Offices in The Zone, Rosebank, Johannesburg, on April 30, 2024, the Pay Our Royalties Movement (PORM) made a resounding statement. Musicians and producers from every corner of South Africa came together under the banner of PORM to demand justice and fair treatment within the music industry.

PORM is not just another advocacy group; it represents the collective frustration and determination of artists who have long been exploited and marginalized by major players in the industry. With a clear vision and unwavering resolve, PORM seeks to address the systemic issues that have plagued the music industry for far too long.

At the heart of PORM’s mission is the demand for transparency and accountability in royalty payments. For too long, musicians have seen their hard-earned royalties siphoned away by unscrupulous record labels and collecting societies. Despite the significant revenue generated by the industry, many artists continue to struggle to make ends meet.

The movement’s demands are bold and unequivocal. They call for the immediate payment of all digital royalties, the resignation of major record label executives from collecting societies, and the creation of permanent job opportunities for unemployed musicians. Additionally, PORM demands greater accountability and transparency in royalty payments, as well as reforms to ensure fair treatment for all artists, regardless of genre or background.

As I spoke with members of PORM, it became clear that their grievances run deep. They spoke of vultures benefiting from their music while they continue to suffer, of industry insiders prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of artists, and of a lack of unity within the industry hindering progress and perpetuating exploitation.

But amid the frustration and anger, there is also hope. PORM represents a new era of activism within the music industry, one driven by grassroots mobilization and a commitment to collective action. Through their advocacy efforts and outreach initiatives, PORM is empowering musicians to speak out against injustice and demand the fair treatment they deserve.

As South Africa prepares for the National and Provincial Elections on May 29, 2024, the issues raised by PORM are more relevant than ever. The cultural and creative industries play a vital role in the country’s economy and identity, and it is imperative that we address the systemic issues that have held them back for too long.

In the face of entrenched power structures and vested interests, PORM stands as a beacon of hope for musicians across South Africa. Their demands may be bold, but they are also necessary if we are to build a music industry that is fair, equitable, and sustainable for all.

Thami akaMbongo
akambongo@gmail.com
AkaMbongo Foundation Pty Ltd
http://www.akambongo.co.za

Disclaimer: Artslink.co.za encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views published do not necessarily represent the views of Artslink.co.za.

Thami aka Mbongo writes on his personal capacity.