The South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) has escalated its dispute with Life and Brand Portfolio, the parent company of Tiger’s Milk, by laying criminal charges.
SAMPRA files criminal charges against Tiger’s Milk parent company
This action follows a period of unsuccessful negotiations over the payment of licence fees for music played in the group’s restaurants.
According to SAMPRA, Life and Brand Portfolio has persistently utilised music managed by SAMPRA without compensating the artists and record companies involved, a practice that undermines the legislative requirements for the use of intellectual property.
“Over the past four years, we have been earnestly trying to negotiate with Life and Brand Portfolio to pay the licence fees due as we are aware that they are using our members’ music in their establishments,” stated Pfanani Lishivha, CEO of SAMPRA.
The charges were filed with the Woodstock police station, signalling a significant escalation in efforts to ensure compliance and protect the financial rights of artists and record companies.
“We have now opened a case against Life and Brand Portfolio for their illegal and unethical conduct as we cannot stand by and watch Life and Brand Portfolio exploiting the works of our recording artists. We have a duty to ensure that recording artists get what is due to them,” Lishivha added.
Here’s why restaurants must apply for a SAMPRA licence
The importance of obtaining a SAMPRA licence for restaurants and other music-using establishments cannot be understated.
SAMPRA represents over 40 000 recording artists and 6 000 record companies, administering Needletime Rights—a form of royalty that compensates recording artists and record companies whenever their music is played publicly.
The licence fees collected from music users are crucial for the livelihood of artists, as they ensure that creators are remunerated for the use of their work.
Without these fees, artists and record companies miss out on earned income, affecting their ability to sustain their careers and continue producing music.
By adhering to these licensing requirements, restaurants not only comply with South African legislative provisions but also support the music industry by contributing to the ecosystem that allows artists to thrive.
When this article was published, Life and Brand Portfolio had not responded to our request for comment