According to the Association of Independent Record Companies (AIRCO), independent music companies which produce and manage artists like Nathi, Zahara, Khuli Chana, Sipho Makhabane, Don Laka, Babsy Mlangeni, Dan Nkosi and other legendary musicians, will start claiming for payments from the SABC for all music videos played on the public broadcaster’s platforms in 2013 by contacting AIRCO.
This follows a historic distribution agreement signed in 2011 by AIRCO and the SABC, which guaranteed the labels their music video content royalties from the public broadcaster.
“It is a historic milestone that marks the dawn of a new era,” says AIRCO chairperson, Dodo Monamodi, “because it gives back to the proudly South African independent companies the right to have full and direct access to their economic benefit. This is a phenomenal return on our investments that will empower us to grow our businesses. In turn, we shall be able to give more to the artists”.
He added that this payment will enhance independent labels’ sustainability and help them contribute more to the profitability of their members. Among the companies represented by AIRCO are C9ine Records, -Goodlife Maphelo Records, Oskido Entertainment, RT Records, and Worship House.
Monamodi says they condemn failure of any recording company that has been paid video royalties in 2011, 2012, 2013 and failed to pay the artists who performed in the videos.
