Forensic Report Exposes SAMRO Members Allegedly Claiming Royalties Fraudulently

• A forensic report has allegedly uncovered a series of fraudulent activities done by SAMRO members
• It confirmed that some members have been fraudulently claiming royalties that do not belong to them
• This comes after Emtee revealed just how much, or little money he received in royalties
• Briefly News received more information about the investigation and SAMRO's plan of action

SAMRO has reportedly exposed the fraudulent royalty claims made by some of its members.

How are members defrauding SAMRO?

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) has once again landed in a scandal over royalties. However this time, the organisation seems to be on top of things.

ZiMoja reports that the music rights body uncovered unusual activities that prompted a forensic investigation, leading to the discovery of several SAMRO members fraudulently claiming royalties that do not belong to them.

Speaking on the case was SAMRO board chairperson, Nicholas Maweni:

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"I would like to make it clear that SAMRO has zero tolerance for fraud. Anyone caught committing fraud-related offences will be prosecuted. We remain adamant about stamping out any forms of criminality within the organisation."

With assistance from Eclipse Communication's Given Media, Briefly News got an insight into SAMRO's findings, which revealed that millions were embezzled from royalties"

"This misconduct resulted in irregular royalty claims amounting to R3.4 million, flagged during SAMRO’s internal processes, from a total of R60 million claimed."

Meanwhile, the organisation has onboarded the SAPS and the Hawks to further investigate the matter, which is said to involve some members (composers, authors and publishers) and a former employee.

Emtee speaks on SAMRO earnings

The royalties conversation is never-ending, and it seems many of our artists may have been getting the short end of the stick.

Briefly News reported on Emtee's royalties payout from SAMRO, a measly R200, after releasing his album, Logan.

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Like his fans, the rapper was surprised and expected to have received more. On the other hand, others believed the rest of his payout was sent to his former record label, Ambitiouz Entertainment:

Loooki999 said:

"They probably sent the rest to your former bosses."

Emtee's years-long battle with the controversial record label uncovered not only the company's shady dealings but also the unfair treatment certain artists face in the music and entertainment industry.

Samthing Soweto makes comeback after royalties drama

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to Samthing Soweto officially ending his social media hiatus.

The Akanamali singer was embroiled in a social media storm after exposing the full extent of DJ Maphorisa's alleged exploitation of budding artists and musicians hoping to break through in the music industry.

Source: Briefly News