samro blog

Heavyweight line-up of musicians named to POSA’s “Needletime” Board

A heavyweight line-up of South African recording artists has been named to the Board of the newly created Performers’ Organisation of South Africa Trust (POSA).
Classical and jazz performer and multi-award winner Sibongile Khumalo, jazz musicians Concorde Nkabine and Ernie Smith, Afro-Soul artist Judith Sephuma and adult contemporary artist Helena Hettema are the six individuals [...]

Revitalised AIRCO announces new board, renewed focus and skills development workshop

The Association of Independent Record Companies (AIRCO) is ending 2009 on a high note with a new board, a renewed focus on multiple industry issues, a free skills development workshop and much more.
 
Says AIRCO chairperson, Dodo Monamodi, “We are energised, ready to go and are confident of delivering on our mandate to independent record companies [...]

The digital era: Friend or foe of copyright?

The digital era is posing many challenges for the future of copyright protection, and there is an increasing need for global cooperation in the creative industries. These and other issues came under discussion at the 2nd World Copyright Summit, which took place in Washington, DC on 9 and 10 June 2009.
SAMRO CEO Nicholas Motsatse was [...]

Africa to be heard at crucial World Copyright Summit

Africa’s voice is to be heard on the crucial World Copyright Summit currently taking place in Washington, DC.
Leading Mozambican singer-songwriter Lizha James, a board member of Mozambican Authors Society (SOMAS), and SAMRO Chief Executive Officer, Nicholas Motsatse will represent the continent at the summit, joining 450 delegates from 53 countries.

How are Music Royalties distributed? Part 2 of 5

Part 2: What is needed to process a distribution?

In the previous instalment, the various types of rights – Performing, Mechanical and Needletime – that SAMRO administers on behalf of its members were outlined. In order for SAMRO to process a royalty distribution for any of these rights, various elements must be present:

Hotstix’s daughter making waves in UK

UK based South African singer, songwriter and producer Mpho Skeef, whose expertise in electronica is legendary, has signed a five-album deal with top British record label Parlophone (former label for the Beatles).

Twitter help for musicians and bands

Last week we wrote about how to use the web to find your fans. This week we focus on Twitter for bands and musicians. If you have no idea what Twitter is or how to use it you can read this first.
We then found a very cool and informative link online “Twitter - A Guide [...]

Big SA music names launch new record label

The legendary Ladysmith Black Mambazo has teamed up with playwright Mbongeni Ngema and leading artist Busi Mhlongo to form a new record company, KZN Music House.

Goldfish track featured in US TV advert

Popular SA performance act Goldfish recently licensed their track “Fort Knox” to be featured in a Kia advertising campaign in the US. The song was chosen after a Goldfish fan of played the track to the advertising agency responsible for the ad.

African musos shine at Grammy awards

We’ll all be looking forward to the 51st Grammies, held in Feb 2009, for the array of music and star line-ups but Africans will be tuned in for another reason – the nominee list is top heavy with talented artists from Africa!
Currently, Estelle takes the trophy for the most nominations at the 2009’s event with [...]