SAMRO Foundation Announces Successful Applicants For The Music Business Short Learning Course Bursary

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) Foundation has announced the names of 30 deserving members who will receive bursaries to complete the Music Business Short Learning Course at Boston City Campus.

The course is a pilot project launched by the SAMRO Foundation and Boston College City Campus, and was designed as a revolutionary new approach to help SAMRO members gain insight into the “business of music”.

According to SAMRO Foundation manager James French, the course will be run by Boston City Campus, in partnership with Soul Candi, with the aim of helping artists navigate the local music industry better.

“There is a big gap between curating musical notes into a masterpiece and getting the bank notes from the music’s rights and royalties. It requires a shift between the creative left brain and the pragmatic right brain, and a shift from the aesthetic to business,” says French. 

He adds that the complex hustle of working in the music industry in South Africa often leaves music creators struggling to understand contracts and copyright laws, with many even feeling frustrated and excluded by the various complicated structures and processes.

“From contracts with partners, publishers, venues and collection management organisations to creating a new song along with the ebb and flow of global economics can sometimes seem even more daunting than playing notes,” says French.

To assist music creators, the Music Business Short Learning Course seamlessly integrates business fundamentals with the workings and dynamics of the modern music industry.

“The short course will assist SAMRO members to develop practical skills and will provide them with valuable information and insights to gain a better understanding and navigate the complexities of the music business,” adds French.

On completion of the course, graduates will have the requisite knowledge and practical skills to:

•  Produce basic artist management techniques with a focus on building artist brands
•  Develop knowledge and an understanding of the underlying principles and concepts relating to copyright laws and technical proficiency to apply these techniques universally
•  Demonstrate knowledge of music business, and
•  Create sponsorship proposals to host music events.

The SAMRO Foundation’s bursaries will cover the course fees – valued at R5 960 – for the 30 selected SAMRO members. The course will be presented by Boston College City Campus and will run from September to November 2021.

Boston’s network of Support Centres will grant students access to computers, online assessments, filmed lectures, electronic library facilities, examination venues and administrative services. Certain course material and/or notes and assessments will only be accessible online or electronically.

“SAMRO received over 100 applications for the Music Business Short Learning Course bursary, and the adjudication panel was hard pressed in considering every applicant by their need and capacity to complete the course,” says French.

The SAMRO Foundation is proud to offer the Boston City Campus Music Business Short Learning Programme to:

1. Anga Awonke Hackula

2. Boitumelo Tebogo Tladie

3. Bonginkosi Mkize

4. Brenda Mtambo

5. Brian Rikhotso

6. Casper Steenkamp

7. Creshwell Jonathan October

8. Daniel Shout

9. Itumeleng Riba

10. Joseph Madonsela

11. Lungisa Ndabeni

12. Melody Basetsana Mabelane

13. Miles Matlala

14. Mthabisi Sibanda

15. Musa Maluleke

16. Naimah Fadlallah

17. Naledy Soga

18. Ndivhuho Luvhengo

19. Nokuthula Fundama

20. Nonhlanhla Sithole

21. Nontsikelelo Mazwai

22. Phenyo Letsapa

23. Randy Londiwe Mkhwanazi

24. Rory Booth

25. Samkelisiwe Madlala

26. Selema Makgothi-Masekela

27. Siphesihle Hector Luthuli

28. Skhumbuzo Bikwa

29. Tshepo Ruben Piet

30. Zizwe Mabece