SAMRO: A publisher's point of view

Robbie Kallenbach is a well-known South African publisher (and songwriter himself) – and as Managing Director of EMI Music Publishing SA, his relationship with SAMRO is long-standing.

"I think the fact that (SAMRO CEO) Rob Hooijer and myself started out in this industry at a similar time has really cemented the relationship that we have with SAMRO," Kallenbach states. "We have seen the South African music industry evolve and change together, and that is very important.

"In fact the length of time that we have been a publisher member means that our relationship with SAMRO has evolved to a point where I feel we definitely share views, opinions and experiences. There is a very good sense of information exchange that has created a better understanding of each other’s businesses."

Kallenbach, who sees SAMRO’s new branding and structures as very positive, said he could not overstress the important role SAMRO plays for South African publishers. "Performing royalties are a vital part of the publisher’s income and in many ways, play a significant part in enhancing our bottom line. In fact I would say that after mechanical royalties, performing royalties are one of the most important aspects of our business. And with the advent of new technology, the relationship publishers have with SAMRO is of paramount importance."

Kallenbach’s favourite recollection of the early days of SAMRO was when he first tried to persuade Gideon Roos Senior to take on publishers like himself as board members. "It was about 15 years ago. I called Mr Roos Senior and told him I wanted to meet. He asked on what topic and I said well about becoming a board member of SAMRO. I felt strongly that as a big publisher member of SAMRO it was important that we had a voice at that level. Well I arrived for the meeting and Mr Roos had a notepad of prepared notes, all handwritten, listing every reason why I should not be a board member. He gave me a cup of tea and biscuit and sent me on my way."

Years later, Kallenbach is indeed a SAMRO Board member and says he believes emphatically in the role the organisation can play in continuing to ensure composers are properly rewarded for their efforts, through the expanding pool of performance royalties.