JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Fifty emerging South African music entrepreneurs have successfully completed a comprehensive six-week training programme designed to significantly impact the future landscape of music publishing within the nation and beyond. The initiative, a pivotal collaboration between the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) and Music Business Lab, with crucial backing from the prestigious University of Pretoria, culminated in a formal graduation ceremony held on May 23 at Samro Place in Johannesburg.
This intensive programme specifically targeted individuals actively involved in the music sector, including self-published musicians and digital distributors who possess between one and three years of practical industry experience. The curriculum was meticulously crafted to empower these participants with advanced knowledge and strategies for mastering music publishing intricacies and effectively exploring novel revenue streams in an increasingly digital and complex global market.
Fostering Industry Growth Through Specialised Training
The music industry, particularly in a vibrant and dynamic market like South Africa, requires a continuous influx of skilled professionals capable of navigating its multifaceted commercial aspects. Recognition of this need prompted the development of this specialised Samro programme. By focusing squarely on music publishing – a critical yet often underserved area for independent artists and entrepreneurs – the initiative addresses a key gap in professional development opportunities available to those starting out.
The six-week structure provided an accelerated yet in-depth immersion into topics essential for sustainable business growth. Participants delved into areas such as rights management, licensing, royalty collection, digital distribution strategies, catalogue management, and understanding international markets. The practical application of these skills is paramount for entrepreneurs aiming to build resilient careers and businesses in the creative sector.
Mentorship: A Cornerstone of the Programme
A distinguishing feature of the Samro-Music Business Lab programme was the integration of mentorship from established leaders within the South African creative and music industries. This direct interaction offered invaluable real-world insights, guidance, and networking opportunities for the participating entrepreneurs.
Notable mentors who contributed their expertise included Ninel Musson, a highly respected figure and co-founder of Vth Season, a leading entertainment and artist management company. Also providing mentorship was Beth Arendse from the SA Creative Industries Incubator, bringing valuable perspective on business development and sustainability within the broader creative landscape. These mentorship sessions provided a crucial link between theoretical learning and practical industry application, offering mentees personalised advice and strategic perspectives.
High Demand and Rigorous Selection
The programme’s strong relevance and the high quality of training offered were underscored by the significant level of interest demonstrated by aspiring participants. Lesego Maforah, Samro’s dedicated manager for CSI (Corporate Social Investment) and special projects, reported a remarkable 34% increase in applications for the 2024 cohort compared to the previous year. This substantial rise highlights the pressing need for structured business training and capacity building within the South African music community.
The selection process for the programme was conducted by an independent panel, ensuring fairness and impartiality in identifying the most promising candidates. The final cohort of 50 entrepreneurs represents a diverse group of individuals poised to apply their newly acquired knowledge to grow their own ventures and contribute positively to the broader industry ecosystem.
Future Vision: Sustainability and Market Access
The overarching objective of the Samro-Music Business Lab collaboration is ambitious yet essential: to foster a sustainable future for creatives in the music industry. The programme aims to achieve this by providing a comprehensive suite of support encompassing education, mentorship, and enhanced market access.
Equipping entrepreneurs with the skills to effectively manage their publishing rights and identify diverse revenue streams directly contributes to their financial stability and long-term viability. Furthermore, the mentorship component and the networks facilitated by the programme open doors to potential collaborations, funding opportunities, and market exposure that might otherwise be challenging for emerging professionals to secure independently. The graduation ceremony on May 23 marked not just the end of the training period but the beginning of a new phase for these 50 individuals, armed with enhanced capabilities to navigate and shape the future of South African music business.
