Music Business Lab, SAMRO programme graduates 50 music entrepreneurs

The graduation ceremony was held at Warner Music Group's Johannesburg offices on 29 May, bringing together participants, industry leaders and programme partners to mark the completion of the course.

According to organisers, the graduates were selected from hundreds of applicants and included artists, producers, songwriters, publishers and creative entrepreneurs from across South Africa. Participants travelled from cities and provinces including Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg and Limpopo to attend the event.

The programme is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of music publishing and the commercial aspects of the music industry. Representatives from various music organisations attended the ceremony, including Ryan Hill of Universal Music Publishing and Adam Tiran, General Manager of Africori Digital Music Solutions.

The event featured performances by hip hop artist Leezy Lindokuhle, DJ T.EM and Music Business Lab alumni Kele M, Nokuthula Fundama and Namhla Bhadela.

Speaking at the ceremony, SAMRO Head of Corporate Social Investment Lesego Maforah said the programme plays a role in supporting creators' participation in the music industry.

“We are particularly proud of this programme. It continues to create opportunities for our members to deepen their understanding of the music business and strengthen their ability to participate fully within the industry,” Maforah said. “The knowledge gained here has the potential to influence careers, create employment opportunities, unlock new revenue streams and ensure more creators receive fair value for their work.”

A panel discussion themed Building the Future of African Music formed part of the event. Moderated by Siya “Slikour” Metane, the discussion featured Munya Chanetsa, managing director of Publishing at EMPIRE Africa; Tumi Mogapi, head of publishing at Africori and founding chair of Women in Music South Africa; Melanie G. Ramjee, CEO of Tutone Communications; and Karabo Senna, general manager of licensing at SAMRO.

The panellists discussed developments within the music industry and the importance of business knowledge in building sustainable careers.

Reflecting on the programme's development since its launch in 2023, Music Business Lab founder Ninel Musson said the initiative had expanded beyond its pilot phase.

“As we close out the third edition of the SAMRO Music Business Lab Publishing Programme, I find myself reflecting not just on what we have built this year, but on the remarkable journey since we started in 2023,” Musson said.

"What began as an ambitious pilot has grown into one of the most impactful publisher development programmes in South Africa's creative economy."

The ceremony also included the presentation of certificates issued through the University of Pretoria, which serves as the programme's academic certification partner.

Organisers additionally announced the formation of The Songwriters Club, an alumni network for female songwriters co-founded by Music Business Lab graduate Pilani Bubu.

Music Business Lab describes itself as Africa's first certified music business education platform. According to the organisation, its programmes have supported more than 1 000 young people, contributed to the launch of over 200 enterprises and supported more than 2,400 livelihoods across several African countries.

Contributors: Collins Matsepe and Sipho Ndlovu