SAMRO renews support for Basadi in Music Awards 2025

As part of the partnership, SAMRO will sponsor the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award. This category recognises lyrical excellence, originality, and the creative talent behind the country’s most celebrated music.

“This sponsorship is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the music industry and the empowerment of female music creators,” SAMRO general manager: marketing and communications Kgomotso Mosenogi said. “We believe that platforms like the Basadi in Music Awards are vital in breaking barriers and creating visibility for women in the creative space.”

SAMRO’s support for the awards began in 2022 and has grown steadily since. In 2024, the organisation expanded its involvement by hosting a series of capacity-building workshops tailored for women in the industry. The sessions addressed key areas such as music creation, production, copyright, and promotion, all aimed at equipping women with essential industry knowledge and skills.

This initiative forms part of SAMRO’s broader commitment to inclusivity and transformation within the creative sector. In 2021, the organisation commissioned a research report titled Women’s Rights and Representation in the South African Music Sector. The report revealed significant gender disparities, with women often marginalised, excluded from key decision-making roles, and facing systemic barriers to full participation in the industry.

Mosenogi added: “Women have long been the heartbeat of our music industry, often writing the stories of our nation behind the scenes. Supporting the Basadi in Music Awards is not just symbolic — it’s a tangible investment in gender equity, recognition, and creative excellence. Through this sponsorship, we reaffirm our commitment to fairness, access, and opportunity for women in the creative sector.”