KUALA LUMPUR: Popular singer Datuk Nora Ariffin has publicly expressed her gratitude to the Music Authors’ Copyright Protection Bhd (MACP) for their support in her efforts to secure outstanding royalty payments for her late husband, composer and lyricist Johan Nawawi.
During a press conference held today at MACP’s premises in Solaris Dutamas, Nora said, “I want to thank MACP for reaching out and inviting my family and me to openly discuss the issue of royalties owed to Johan for his famous song ‘Sinaran’.
“This means a great deal to my children and me. We deeply appreciate their willingness to listen and understand our position as Johan’s heirs.”
Nora was accompanied by her son, Mohamad Syakir Iman Johan, along with MACP’s Chief Executive Officer Mary Lim; MACP’s Head of Operations Lucas Lai; and the son of the late ‘Sinaran’ composer Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan, Aiman Zamir Adnan.
“Recently, several media outlets reported on my social media complaint regarding my late husband’s income, where he supposedly only received RM60 for ‘Sinaran’,” said Nora, whose husband passed away in 2017.
“I’d like to clarify that the RM60 is unrelated to MACP; it was his initial payment for the song’s usage upon its release in 1986, made by a music publisher at that time.”
Nora further explained that MACP had disbursed all royalties due to Johan, who was a member of its board of directors, for his work as a composer and lyricist.
“As a family, we were aware that his income as a songwriter came through MACP. After his passing, MACP was the only party that contacted us to assist with the administrative process and the transfer of rights through official documents,” Nora said.
Nora highlighted that, unfortunately, a significant amount of money was owed to Johan from various music publishers for the use of his songs across television, cinema, and synchronisation, among other platforms.
“We have never been contacted by the music publishers responsible for managing Johan’s works,” she said.
“In 2021, after receiving initial information from MACP, we took the next step by emailing several music publishers listed as rights holders of the song. However, to this day, crucial information such as song details, contract copies, and royalty statements from these music publishers have not been provided to us.”
Nora added that while some music publishers initially responded, stating they were reviewing matters with their copyright teams, there has been no concrete feedback since.
“As music publishers mandated to manage and oversee songwriters’ works, they should carry out this responsibility professionally. If everything were managed properly, I am confident that the income from Johan’s works could help support my children’s further education.”
Johan composed over 200 songs throughout his career.”
‘Sinaran’ in particular has seen extensive use in advertisements, cover versions by new artists, various televised performances, and even inspired the 2015 film ‘Sinaran’, starring Datin Lisa Surihani.
According to copyright law, the song has entered a 50-year copyright protection period since Adnan died in 2016 and Johan the following year, meaning it will enter the public domain in 2068.
Nora said, “I believe many other families of music creators may face similar situations but don’t know where to turn for assistance. I hope this meeting with MACP can foster a healthier discussion space between music publishers, collective management organisations (CMOs), and the heirs of music creators to uphold the dignity, rights, and future of the music industry.”
Nora concluded by saying that she and Iman would only consider legal action against the music publishers as a last resort.
Lim confirmed that Johan had been a MACP member from July 4, 1990, until his death.
“He began receiving his first royalty payment in 1991 and has consistently received payments up to today. MACP currently administers a total of 227 works he created,” she said, adding that Nora was registered as a MACP Beneficiary Member on December 31, 2018.
“We always encourage the family and heirs of deceased members to seek our advice and help regarding royalties owed to them.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
