By Linda Ximba
The family of Afro pop legend Robbie Malinga, who passed away due to pancreatic cancer five years ago, is still struggling to get royalties for his music.
Usually the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) pays songwriters, composers and publishers who are entitled to royalties every time their music is played on radio.
But according to Malinga’s wife, Ann, that has not been the case with her husband’s royalties. She claims she has been sent from pillar to post enquiring about what is due to her family.
Malinga, who was a prolific producer and songwriter and an accomplished singer, made hits like ‘Ilobolo’, ‘Baby Please’ and ‘Nguwe Lo’.
He also produced hits for artists like Zahara and Musa Sukwene, and did collaborations with the likes of Kelly Khumalo.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, a devastated Ann said: “I have been fighting for my husband’s royalties with some of the organisations.
“Three days after his funeral I got into contact with several people, who all promised to look into the matter. But to this day, I have not heard a word. I won’t back down, however, because I am fighting for his legacy and for what is rightfully his.”
While impatiently waiting for payment Ann said she was busy with projects she had started in her late husband’s honour.
“We launched his biography, titled ‘Robbie Malinga’, and have established the RM Soul Sessions. Soon we will also come up with a golf day where we will raise some funds for the needy, because my late husband cared about people,” said Ann.
Attempts to get comment from Samro chairperson Nicholas Maweni drew a blank, while Karabo Motijoane, the general manager of Sheer Publishing, under which Malinga released his music, also could not be reached for comment.
Pictured above: Robbie Malinga
Image source: Supplied
