Mandoza producer Gabi le Roux resigns from Samro board citing loss of creator control

Resignation comes after accusation of conflict of interest

- By Bongani Mdakane [e-mail]

Veteran composer and producer of late Mandoza's crossover hit, Nkalakatha, Gabi le Roux, has resigned from the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) board with immediate effect, just a day after his fitness to hold office was formally challenged by a fellow member.

Le Roux's resignation, detailed in a scathing letter to the Samro board and executive, concludes three separate terms on the board and cites a profound disillusionment with the organisation's direction, which he claims has stripped composers and authors of meaningful control.

"The actual creators of the music in [the] South African Music Rights Organisation... now have effectively been stripped of any effective control, other than a mere presence on the board, over the affairs of the organisation founded to protect our rights," Le Roux wrote.