All remaining problems between the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and Gallo Music over the live recording of workers’ songs have been resolved, Cosatu has announced.
The Mail & Guardian newspaper reported on Friday that Cosatu accused Gallo Records of trying to ”rip it off” over a venture involving the recording of workers’ songs.
The newspaper reported that the venture, which was a highlight of Cosatu’s eighth national congress this year, hit a snag because of several disagreements between Cosatu and Gallo, which is majority-owned by media and entertainment group Johnnic Communications.
Cosatu complained that Gallo initially came in as a sponsor but the music group later demanded that amounts originally sponsored be refunded from the proceeds.
According to the M&G, details of the dispute were contained in a memo written by Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi to national, regional and local general secretaries of the union federation’s 21 affiliates.
In the memo, dated November 4, Vavi charged that ”Gallo and other recording companies have for years been ripping off artists … They cannot do that to Cosatu as well.”
Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven said the outstanding problems were resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.
He said: ”The CD, DVD, video and cassette, entitled Solidarity for Ever, are now in production and will be released as planned at a gala evening in Braamfontein on December 1, the date of Cosatu’s 18th anniversary.
”This is an historic event, the first example of such a collaboration between trade unions and musicians in the world.
”It will make a major contribution to the promotion of South African workers’ culture,” he said.
South African musicians who participated in the venture include Hugh Masekela, Chicco, Letta Mbulu, Jonas Gwangwa, Busi Mhlongo and Sibongile Khumalo.
Song and dance over Cosatu recording