Music Business Academy to host workshop on distribution, publishing

The event will focus on music distribution, publishing, and Artists & Repertoire (A&R). The session will bring emerging practitioners into direct engagement with industry executives.

The workshop will feature a live listening segment showcasing recordings produced during the Academy’s January 2026 Studio Camp. Organisers said participants will receive feedback from senior professionals active across the African music value chain.

Confirmed speakers include EMPIRE Publishing managing director Munya Chanetsa, Sony Music Publishing A&R manager Tsenolo Africa, Downtown Music Publishing Africa A&R manager Kefiloe Moeketsi and SAMRO general manager Karabo Senna. Additional speakers are expected to join.

The workshop forms part of the Academy’s Music Business Network (MBN), a monthly engagement platform that has been running for three years. The network is designed to connect emerging creatives with industry professionals through discussions and practical sessions.

“Attendees can expect practical, industry-relevant engagement, real-time opportunities, and structured conversations that directly impact their careers,” MBA operations manager Lesedi Mathonsi told Music In Africa. “Our goal remains consistent: to bridge the gap between creatives and industry decision-makers while building a sustainable music business ecosystem.

“We are inviting representatives from major labels and publishing companies, along with experienced industry professionals who actively operate within these spaces.”

The Academy, founded by Gift Mdlalose, focuses on commercial and administrative training for the music sector. Its sessions differ from lecture-style training by emphasising interaction between practitioners and industry executives.

For 2026, the Academy plans to expand the Music Business Network to other cities, including Cape Town (25 March), Durban (24 April), and Port Elizabeth (29 May), with additional locations to be announced. The expansion aims to increase access to music business education outside Johannesburg.

Additionally, on 5 March 2026, the Academy will release its first official music business guide, authored by Mdlalose in partnership with the University of Johannesburg Business School. The book will be catalogued in university libraries and designed as a practical resource for artists, managers, executives, and other professionals in the African music industry.

Register here to attend the workshop.

Omphile Motlhaping, Shaked Khuzwayo, Bracha Motlhahledi and Musa Songo contributed to this article.​​​​​