CELLPHONE giant MTN has finally paid out royalties it owed to artists.
The Composers, Authors and Publishers Association has said this is the first step towards the mobile network following copyright laws.
In a statement released yesterday, the organisation confirmed that the company had settled 92% of the R1 million invoice relating to music sales in 2014. The remaining 8% relates to disputed songs.
The network company’s Bridget Bhengu said: “We made a payment of the undisputed portion of the invoice amounting to R976 448.
“In a recent meeting between us and the association, we understood that they were open to us making payment of the invoice amount minus the disputed claims.
“We will meet the association and Content Connect Africa next week to deal with the disputed claims in order to speedily resolve this.”
The association’s CEO Nothando Migogo said: “We welcome this development but the amount still doesn’t reflect all sales made on the MTN platform.” She said royalties received would be distributed to the rights holders next month.
Last week the cellphone network denied owing money for outstanding royalties. Before payment was made yesterday, the association instructed it to stop the use or sale of musical works owned by its members. Artist Dr Malinga complained last week that the royalty cheque he had received was less than expected and although he was not aware of more money being on its way, he would welcome it.
