Music CEO Arthur Mafokate faces criticism if he doesn’t clarify the status of Kwaito legend Ishmael Morabe’s royalties by this Thursday.
This is in response to claims that Ismael received only R60,000 for his popular songs, S’manje Manje, Akuna Mathata, and Roba Letheka. Ishmael has sent a demand letter to the proprietor of the 999 music label and his previous employer. He is asking that he provide him with records outlining the location of his royalties.
Sunday World has received the letter that was submitted to Mafokate on June 21st via Ishmael’s attorneys, Maphike Attorneys Inc. Mafokate has till Thursday to respond to Ishmael’s demands and produce supporting documentation. These concern details on his compensation from organizations that collect royalties.
The singer’s lawyers begin by citing a previous letter in which they request that Mafokate provide them with royalty statements covering all revenue, sales, and expenses from 2001 to the present. They also demand written consent from their client acknowledging that Mafokate was collecting and paying royalties on behalf of and to Ishmael, as well as evidence of all royalty payments made to Ishmael.
The letter also informs Mafokate that they have engaged EMI, which is currently Sony Music South Africa, and that they have engaged them. Finally, the company denies paying Ishmael any royalties, stating that Mafokate or 999 Music was responsible for doing so.
