Woolworths in talks to renew license with SAMPRA, play local music
Woolworths received backlash over plan to play royalty-free music rather than support local artists.
Last month Woolies made a very un-South African announcement about opting to play royalty-free music rather than pay for a license to play local music.
I get that saving money is everything, but come on, Woolies- it’s not like you’re struggling. Besides, supporting local music fits in with the company’s ‘sustainability’ ethos because, without royalties, local musicians would not have a sustainable career.
South African artists rallied against this idea, starting the #PLAYOURMUSICWOOLIES movement, which worked. New reports show that Woolies is in talks with SAMPRA to renew its license.
“We hope to relicense Woolworths by the end of this week. Woolworths have reiterated their commitment to the South African music industry,” Sampra CEO Pfanani Lishivha said.
Local is the most lekker
In the wake of artist outrage, SAMPRA CSO (chief stakeholder officer) Tiyani Maluleke told TshishaLIVE that Woolies contacted them (SAMPRA) to discuss the matter and negotiate the renewal of the retailer’s license.
However, he added: “Woolies is still currently playing royalty-free music at their stores as it would be illegal for them to use copyrighted music without a licence. Negotiations are going well and we are confident that the matter will be resolved amicably to the benefit of the South African artist.”
Woolies spokesperson Kristen Hewett insisted the retailer hadn’t stopped playing South African music.
“We love SA music, as our many partnerships over the years have shown. In fact, we are launching another exciting local music project with The Ndlovu Youth Choir. Watch this space. We have always played South African music in our stores. Our suppliers have been negotiating with Sampra regarding licence fees for our stores and we are waiting for that to be resolved.”
This Woolworths incident is a prime example of how unity can overcome any trials or tribulations.
Sourced
