A frustrated mob of stars gathered at the Rosebank Mall in Johannesburg where they took a brisk walk down to the Universal Music Group offices to deliver a memorandum while chanting struggle songs. Led by music executives Chicco Twala, Marah Louw, Bongani Fassie, activist Nhlanhla Lux, Anne Malinga and her son Robbie Malinga Jr and the new movement mobilising artists called Pay Our Royalties Movement.

In the memorandum, the artists state that they have had enough of being ill-treated by major record labels and listed some of their demands. One of them is, the immediate payment of all digital royalties in accordance with the agreements signed with musicians prior to the inception of digital sales. Digital sales fall under a category described as 'secondary usage'. The artists also call for all the musicians, including those in the maskandi, gospel and all marginalised music genres to be paid their royalties in accordance with the agreements they signed.

They wish for the resignation of all major record labels (UMG, SONY, WARNER) executives to allow transformation. They believe the transformation will create a path to permanent jobs for unemployed musicians, social benefits and medical aid, especially for elderly musicians. The artists also demand that 30% of jobs in all major record labels, be reserved for suitably qualified musicians. The memorandum also states that, "Artists demand clear and proper accountability be created for record labels in Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) and trade associations which UMG, SONY, and WARNER effectively dominate like RAV and RiSA, or serve in like SAMPRA, wherein 50% royalty rate cut shall be the norm in favour musicians and producers." They also wish for external audit firms to be appointed to ensure the accuracy of royalty payments and transparency of accounting.

Speaking to ZiMoja, Anne Malinga, the widow of the late Robbie Malinga, said since her husband's passing, she has been in and out of court with Universal Music Group demanding her husband's royalties. "Instead, I was told that he owed them money," Anne said, adding that she has since received a small payout. "This is just the beginning," she added. Chicco Twala said, "People are stealing from artists. We need it to end. We also need a transformation that will lead to artists having resources like medical insurance, social grants, assistance, especially the elderl, and veteran musicians. Universal is a major company, they control the industry, we are starting here,." Twala said that the company's offices were locked when they went to submit their memorandum. "They have not been available but they have 30 days to respond." Veteran singer Mara Louw recalled a time when she had no access to some of her own music. "I have been through it all in this industry, and this is it for us. We want answers, we need what is due to us." Universal Music Group was not available to respond at the time of publishing and the memorandum was delivered at the door and accepted by security guards.