South Africa’s Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, is championing the rights of musicians and has consulted with the South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) to address exploitation allegations within the industry. The tragic events surrounding the untimely death of South African singersongwriter, Zahara, have brought exploitation charges to the forefront, highlighting the need for government intervention to protect the livelihoods of musicians. Kodwa’s public endorsement of SAMRO’s investigation into exploitation allegations is a promising shift towards justice within the music industry, but comprehensive measures are needed to address the challenges that musicians face beyond exploitation by record labels.
