SAMRO Unveils 50 Bursary Recipients to Learn the Business of Music

Johannesburg, 27 May 2022: SAMRO is proud to announce that 50 of its members have been awarded full bursaries to study the business of music at Boston City Campus as part of a specially tailored Music Business Short Learning Programme (MBSLP).

The bursary programme will enable SAMRO members to engage with other stakeholders in the industry with complete confidence grounded on a comprehensive understanding of “Music as a Business” and assist them in identifying and establishing sustainable strategies to grow within the industry while still maintaining relevance. The majority of SAMRO members are self-taught musicians and many have learned to operate in the industry on the job.

“With little to no financial wherewithal to seek the advice of legal, business or industry experts, some of our members and prospective members find themselves at a disadvantaged position when entering into complex contracts with long-term bearing on their ability to realise the full benefits of their work,” said SAMRO CEO Mark Rosin. “This is because there are limited opportunities for formal training in the business of music. I look forward to a music industry where all musicians have the knowledge to work together on a similar level, and where they can all prosper together.”

SAMRO said it considered Boston City Campus as the best option as it has a broad footprint across South Africa and students were able to access their courses online or at any of over 50 campuses around the country. SAMRO said it piloted the MBSLP programme last year by test running the short music business course with 30 members.

The response from the recipient members of the pilot was encouraging. Rory Booth said: “I can safely say that I am more confident as an independent singer/songwriter/recording artist. This course has given me a stronger foundation in the mechanics of the music industry.” Creshwell October said: “I feel that the course itself has covered everything any emerging artist needs to know to make it in the music industry. I consider the course a good foundation for all musicians and artists.” Sipesihle Luthuli (DJ Cyclops) said: “I am really impressed about the way they summarised the course – everything is covered fully in this short course. The course even shared the reality that the evolution of the digital world has way too small revenue and the real money is still on physical products like CDs and other merchandising.” Musa Maluleke said: “I would recommend any artist, young and old to study this course. If there are other SAMRO programs or projects I could get involved and benefit from, please let me know. I am also willing to help with anything if needed at SAMRO. I appreciate the opportunity I was given, Thank you …”

This year, SAMRO increased the number of bursary recipients to 50 and the bursaries are valued at R6050 each. As many as 233 musicians applied for the opportunity.

The 50 members, who were selected based on their applications, will have the opportunity to attend their courses beginning at the end of May 2022.

SAMRO proudly announces the successful applicants below: