MPASA ./../index.html Music Publishers’ Association Of South Africa Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:35:29 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6 ./../wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-Fav-Icon-2-32x32.png MPASA ./../index.html 32 32 MPASA Connect ./../mpasa-connect/index.html ./../mpasa-connect/index.html#respond Fri, 14 Jun 2024 08:48:32 +0000 ./../index.html?p=226476

MPASA Connect

Introducing MPASA Connect, a digital forum exclusively for MPASA members to exchange skills and services. This platform aims to foster a vibrant and supportive environment where our talented members can connect, share resources, and collaborate on various projects.

What is MPASA Connect?

MPASA Connect is a dedicated online forum where members can post the services they offer outside of music publishing. Whether you provide music production, have a studio available for hire, offer graphic design, legal services, or any other skill that can benefit fellow members, MPASA Connect is the place to showcase your offerings.
 

How Does It Work?

  1. Post Your Services: A link to join the group will be sent to you as a member. Simply log into MPASA Connect and tap “New Conversation” at the top left of the webpage to create a post. Be sure to include a brief description of the music industry-related services you’re offering and your contact details.
  2. Discover Opportunities: Browse through the Conversations section to find posts for services offered by other members that you might need. From production studios to marketing expertise, you can find a wide range of skills to support your projects.
  3. Stay Informed: Member posts will be distributed via email to keep everyone informed about the latest services available. This ensures that even if you miss a post on the forum, you’ll still receive updates directly to your inbox. We kindly ask that all members avoid spamming posts.

 
Thank you for being a valued member of MPASA. Let’s connect, collaborate, and create something extraordinary together.

]]> ./../mpasa-connect/feed/index.html 0 June 2024 MPASA Member Feature ./../june-2024-mpasa-member-feature/index.html ./../june-2024-mpasa-member-feature/index.html#respond Thu, 13 Jun 2024 20:56:58 +0000 ./../index.html?p=367780

Mzwa Youth Day Profile

June 2024 MPASA Member Feature

In celebration of Youth Day and month, we present a special edition of our MPASA Member Feature! In this edition, we interview Mzwandile Sibanda, Head of Music Publishing for Africa Creative Publishing, who offers us valuable insights for empowering the next generation of music creators. Here are his thoughts:

What does Youth Day mean to you personally and do you think it’s still important for young people in SA to celebrate this day?

Youth Day in South Africa holds significant personal meaning to me because it commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of young people who stood up against injustice during the Soweto Uprising in 1976. It symbolizes resilience, courage, and the fight for justice and equality.

I believe it remains incredibly important for young people in South Africa to celebrate Youth Day. It serves as a reminder of the power of youth in driving positive change, as well as highlighting ongoing challenges young people face in accessing education, opportunities, and social equality. By commemorating Youth Day, it honors the past struggles while energizing and mobilizing youth to continue advocating for a better future. It’s not just a historical event but a call to action for young people to be active participants in shaping their society.

As a music industry executive, I believe it is also important for the country to celebrate the achievements of the youth both in the past and present. The Youth have been at the forefront of pushing boundaries within culture and creating new music styles and genres, from Kwaito all the way through to Amapiano. We must be proud of the global spotlight, a youth led and proudly South African Genres like Amapiano have shone on the country and the achievement and milestones it has already achieved.

⁠In your opinion what are the key challenges and opportunities for the young aspiring creatives?

For young aspiring creatives in South Africa, there are several key challenges and opportunities, and have listed both a few challenges and opportunities below:
 

Challenges
  • Access to Resources: Many young creatives face barriers in accessing necessary resources such as funding, equipment, and spaces to create and showcase their work.
  • Education and Skills Development: There can be gaps in formal education that fail to adequately prepare young creatives with the skills needed for their chosen fields, whether it’s art, design, music, or filmmaking.
  • Recognition and Support: Often, there is a lack of recognition and support for emerging creatives, making it difficult for them to establish themselves professionally and gain visibility.
  • Infrastructure and Networking: Limited infrastructure and networking opportunities can hinder collaboration and growth within creative industries.
  • Financial Sustainability: It can be challenging for young creatives to sustain themselves financially while pursuing their artistic endeavors, leading to a reliance on side jobs or freelance work.
  • Global travel and logistics: When young creatives have the opportunity to travel outside of the continent, have issues with obtaining travel visas and appropriate funding to make those necessary trips to grow their craft. We need to be able to fast track visas processing for creatives or establishing some sort of travel document that allows creatives to travel with more ease outside of Africa.

 

Opportunities
  • Digital Platforms: The rise of digital platforms and social media provides young creatives with unprecedented opportunities to showcase their work globally and connect with audiences and collaborators.
  • Creative Entrepreneurship: There is a growing culture of entrepreneurship in creative industries, where young creatives can develop their own businesses or startups based on their artistic skills and visions.
  • Cultural Diversity: South Africa’s rich cultural diversity offers a wealth of inspiration and unique perspectives that young creatives can draw upon in their work, contributing to a vibrant creative landscape.
  • International Exposure: Opportunities for international collaborations, residencies, and exchanges can help young creatives gain exposure, broaden their perspectives, and build global networks.
  • Advocacy and Activism: Art and creativity have historically played a significant role in social change and activism. Young creatives can use their platforms to advocate for social issues and drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

 
Navigating these challenges and seizing these opportunities requires resilience, creativity, and a supportive ecosystem that values and nurtures young talent. As South Africa continues to evolve culturally and economically, there is tremendous potential for young creatives to make a significant impact both locally and globally.

Who are your top local music acts in South Africa currently and what sets them apart from the rest?

Maglera Doe Boy: “hottest” rapper in the country, who is currently a crazy feature run. He has one of the most striking and unique voices in hip-hop, coupled with his authentic storytelling and his lyrical prowess. He is uniquely South African, always infusing local languages, slang and references within music, while still being able to give us social commentary. He is primed to make an impact globally and fly the flag high.

Manana: Your favorite musician’s favorite musician. One of one, if not the best songwriters in the country and on the continent. He has one of the best live performance sets, once you see him live or hear his music you will become a fan.

How do you believe the music industry can better support and nurture young talent and any advise to give young artists looking to make their mark?

Supporting and nurturing young talent in the music industry requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both structural barriers and individual development. Here are some ways the industry can better support young talent:

  • Access to Resources: Provide easier access to recording studios, equipment, and rehearsal spaces at affordable rates or through grants and sponsorships.
  • Education and Mentorship: Offer workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs that cover topics like songwriting, production, marketing, and navigating the music business.
  • Networking Opportunities: Create platforms for young artists to network with industry professionals, other artists, and potential collaborators. This could include industry events, showcases, and online communities.
  • Financial Support: Establish funding opportunities such as grants, scholarships, or low-interest loans specifically for young artists to help them finance projects, tours, or music education.
  • Promotion and Exposure: Provide platforms for exposure through radio play, streaming playlists, music blogs, and social media promotion. Industry professionals could also facilitate introductions to influential figures in the music scene.
  • Fair Contracts and Rights Management: Educate young artists about their rights, fair contracts, and royalties management to ensure they are treated fairly and can sustain their careers in the long term.

Advice for young artists?

  • Patience, resilience and loyalty.
  • Find a good team/tribe and travel the journey with them, with success don’t always allow new people to separate you from your team.
  • Consistently strive to improve and grow, treat music like it’s a job.
  • Don’t let your ambition for success make you make rash and bad decisions which may have negative consequences.
  • Relationships are everything.
]]> ./../june-2024-mpasa-member-feature/feed/index.html 0 The Importance of Company Compliance for Music Publishers ./../the-importance-of-company-compliance-for-music-publishers/index.html ./../the-importance-of-company-compliance-for-music-publishers/index.html#respond Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:09:27 +0000 ./../index.html?p=226502

The Importance of Company Compliance for Music Publishers

In the ever-evolving music industry, maintaining company compliance is crucial for ensuring smooth operations and financial sustainability. Recently, the South African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO) has raised an alarm about the increasing number of non-compliant companies registered as members. This announcement highlights the urgency for music publishers to address their compliance status to avoid significant repercussions, including the potential loss of royalty earnings.

SAMRO’s Compliance Alert

SAMRO has informed us about the growing rate of non-compliant companies within its member base. This notification comes with a clear deadline for music publishers to rectify their compliance issues. Adhering to this requirement is essential as non-compliance not only risks financial penalties but also affects the ability to receive royalty earnings.
 

Understanding Company Compliance

Company compliance refers to adhering to various regulatory requirements and obligations set by authorities such as the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Compliance ensures that a business operates legally and ethically, which is vital for its credibility and sustainability.

Common Compliance Issues

There are several ways in which companies, including music publishers, can fall out of compliance. Understanding these can help you take proactive steps to avoid them:

  1. Failure to Submit Annual Returns: Every registered company is required to submit annual returns to the CIPC. This process involves providing up-to-date information about the company and paying the necessary fees. Neglecting this duty can lead to the company being deregistered.
  2. Non-filing of Tax Returns: Companies must file their tax returns with SARS annually. This includes declaring all income and expenses to ensure the correct amount of tax is paid. Failure to submit tax returns can result in penalties and interest on overdue taxes.
  3. Not Renewing Tax Clearance Certificates: A tax clearance certificate is essential for proving that a company is in good standing with SARS. These certificates need to be renewed periodically. An expired or invalid certificate can impede business operations, including eligibility for certain contracts and opportunities.
  4. Ignoring Compliance Notices: When regulatory bodies issue notices regarding compliance requirements or deadlines, it is imperative to address them promptly. Ignoring these notices can lead to severe penalties and legal issues.

Steps to Ensure Compliance

  1. Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates and requirements from CIPC and SARS. Visit the CIPC website for comprehensive information on compliance obligations.
  2. File Annual Returns: Ensure your company submits its annual returns on time every year. Set reminders and automate payments if possible to avoid missing deadlines.
  3. Keep Tax Records Updated: Maintain accurate and detailed financial records. File your tax returns annually and renew your tax clearance certificates as required.
  4. Respond to Compliance Notices: Address any compliance notices or alerts from regulatory bodies immediately. Seek professional advice if needed to understand and meet these requirements.

 

The Impact of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance can have far-reaching consequences for music publishers. Beyond the immediate financial penalties from CIPC and SARS, non-compliance can jeopardise your relationship with SAMRO as their requirements for distributing royalty earnings is that businesses must be compliant. Therefore, failing to meet compliance standards can directly impact your ability to receive royalties.

MPASA CIPC Compliance Webinar Coming Soon!

In an effort to assist our members in better understanding CIPC compliance, MPASA is planning a Webinar which will be announced soon. Look out for the event details and Don’t miss out on this opportunity to directly engage and learn from experts that can help you make better informed decisions on compliance within your publishing business.

]]> ./../the-importance-of-company-compliance-for-music-publishers/feed/index.html 0 ICMP Africa Regional Group Announcement ./../icmp-africa-regional-group-announcement/index.html ./../icmp-africa-regional-group-announcement/index.html#respond Thu, 13 Jun 2024 08:16:55 +0000 ./../index.html?p=226462

ICMP Africa Regional Group Announcement

About the ICMP Africa Regional Group

Established in 2023, the ICMP Africa Regional Group aims to educate, support, and grow the music publishing industry across the continent. The group’s mission is to create an environment where music publishing can not only survive but thrive, fostering innovation and growth within the industry. By bringing together leading professionals and experts, the ICMP Africa Regional Group is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within the African music publishing landscape.

The Path Forward

With Thando Makhunga and Isioma Idigbe at the helm, the ICMP Africa Regional Group is poised for a promising future. The group’s initiatives will focus on providing education, resources, and support to music publishers across Africa, ensuring that the industry can navigate the evolving landscape and continue to grow.

]]> ./../icmp-africa-regional-group-announcement/feed/index.html 0 CAB Update ./../cab-update/index.html ./../cab-update/index.html#respond Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:50:31 +0000 ./../index.html?p=226484

CAB Update

On 16th March 2024, an engagement between Fikile Mbalula (ANC secretary-general), Zizi Kodwa (Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture), Thandi Moraka (ANC national executive committee sub-committee chairperson on sport, arts and culture), and several creative industry groups took place with goal of addressing key concerns with the Copyright Amendment Bill.

Following the engagement, ANC representatives stated that they would meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa on April 1st, 2024, to discuss the Bill and advise against signing it into law. This meeting unfortunately has yet to take place.

The Bill’s provisions, such as giving the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition power over publishing contract terms, a 25-year limitation on rights assignment, and the inclusion of the ‘fair use’ clause, have been points of contention that require revision of the Bill. Despite these developments, there is still work to be done to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders in the creative industry.

Further discussions regarding both the Performance Protection and Copyright Amendment Bill are likely to start taking place since the finalisation of the South African election.

]]> ./../cab-update/feed/index.html 0 Sunday Times Creative and Cultural Industries Dialogue ./../sunday-times-creative-and-cultural-industries-dialogue/index.html ./../sunday-times-creative-and-cultural-industries-dialogue/index.html#respond Fri, 24 May 2024 08:17:13 +0000 ./../index.html?p=226468

Sunday Times Creative and Cultural Industries Dialogue

In Partnership with CCSA and CCIFSA

On May 8th, 2024, representatives and members from the Music Publishers’ Association of South Africa attended an insightful and engaging dialogue hosted in collaboration with The Copyright Coalition of South Africa (CCSA) and The Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA). The purpose of this event was to address critical issues affecting the cultural and creative industries in light of the recent developments surrounding the Copyright Amendment and Performers’ Protection Bills.

The National Creative Industries Dialogue offered politicians a deeper insight into our industry and the challenges we face. This event served as a crucial bridge, connecting our industry with policymakers, whose decisions significantly impact our sector. We hope this engagement fosters a more informed and effective collaboration in future endeavors, with politicians gaining a better understanding of our needs and contributions.

This gathering provided a valuable platform for various stakeholders to express their views and discuss the implications of the proposed amendments. Key political parties participated, each presenting their stance on issues related to South African copyright laws. This diversity of perspectives enriched the dialogue and underscored the complexity of the issues at hand, while also bringing the culture of our industry closer to the political sphere.

 

Encouragement for Future Participation

Given the significance of the topics discussed and the potential impact on our industry, we look forward to more of these dialogues with political parties and government and also strongly encourage all MPASA members to actively participate in future engagements. Engaging in such discussions ensures that the voices of those within the music publishing industry are heard and considered in the legislative process.

]]> ./../sunday-times-creative-and-cultural-industries-dialogue/feed/index.html 0 Unlocked: Back to Basics with our CMOs ./../unlocked-back-to-basics-with-our-cmos/index.html ./../unlocked-back-to-basics-with-our-cmos/index.html#respond Fri, 17 May 2024 20:39:06 +0000 ./../index.html?p=367762

Unlocked: Back to Basics with our CMOs

The Artistic Touch

The day kicked off with a spotlight interview with two award-winning artists, TRESOR and Mr. Kamera.

Mr. Kamera, who has worked with international stars on singles like “How We Roll” by Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Ciara, shared invaluable insights on how to get the best out of collaborations by pointing out that everyone’s role is important, while eliciting a chuckle from the audience and fellow musician TRESOR by lightly teasing that he may even consider giving someone 1% of the earnings of a song solely for creating a “vibe”. In his experience as a producer, he highlighted how his positive and professional attitude led to great opportunities, which he never considered early in his career, like scoring TV shows like “Blood & Water”.

TRESOR, famously know for his collaborations with by Drake and Tems, captivated the audience with his life story and emphasized that composers shouldn’t wait for the co-sign of someone more successful, before giving their all to chase their dreams. He attributed much of his success to dedicating time to learning the business side of music, emphasizing, for the young up-and-comers in attendance, that understanding the business is just as crucial as the creative musical process.

Member x CMO Session

SAMRO’s session provided invaluable insights into the music publishing journey for its members, emphasizing the importance of regularly updating works’ metadata to ensure accurate royalty distribution. CAPASSO’s presentation complemented this by demonstrating the use of the CAPASSO portal for notifying works, including the efficient CWR (Common Works Registration) files for bulk song notifications, which is particularly beneficial for production music libraries. Both sessions highlighted essential, details crucial for success in the music industry.

We Are Forever Grateful For Your Support

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, TRESOR, Mr. Kamera, SAMRO and CAPASSO! The workshop would not be possible without you and your enthusiasm and participation turned it into an engaging and fun learning experience for all of us. See you at the next one!

]]> ./../unlocked-back-to-basics-with-our-cmos/feed/index.html 0 Café AI: Artificial Intelligence Workshop ./../cafe-ai-artificial-intelligence-workshop/index.html ./../cafe-ai-artificial-intelligence-workshop/index.html#respond Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:56:45 +0000 ./../index.html?p=226455

Café AI: Artificial Intelligence – Rushed revolution or the holy grail of a creative future?

SACO Workshop Explores AI’s Impact on Creative Industry and Blockchain for Copyright Tracking

On March 13th 2024, the South African creative industry was invited by the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) to a workshop to discuss Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the creative industry. Workshop participants were the opportunity to engage with industry professionals that such lawyers specializing in copyright law, the organizers of Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, representatives from the South African Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and GIZ (the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).

The diverse group of attendees presented many different and interesting viewpoints on AI, its uses, and the suggestions like using blockchain to monitor and track AI’s usage of copyright in order to be able to compensate the copyright owner for their work.

Leading up to the workshop, SACO also sent out a survey for people to be able voice their concerns or comforts on AI and SACO stated that the results of the survey were being collated and would be published soon. We at MPASA express great grateful to SACO for allowing us to take part in such an important workshop on topic, that has already begun shaping the future of creatives around the world.

]]> ./../cafe-ai-artificial-intelligence-workshop/feed/index.html 0 Copyright Amendment Bill Update ./../copyright-amendment-bill-update/index.html ./../copyright-amendment-bill-update/index.html#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:44:56 +0000 ./../index.html?p=226415

Copyright Amendment Bill Update

March 2024

The National Assembly met as scheduled on the 29th February and unfortunately voted in favour of passing the copyright amendment bills. ANC made use of their majority to pass the bill with IFP changing its tune from the previous year to voting in favour of the Bill, while EFF,DA, FF+ and ACDP voted against. The Bill will now go to the President’s desk for signature, and since he referred the Bill back to the National Assembly in June 2020 for reservations about their constitutionality, he will now have to consider whether his reservations have been accommodated.

The South African creative industry rallied against the passing of the Bill through open letters addressed directly to the president from Chola Makgamathe (Chairperson of Copyright Coalition Of SA) and Yvonne Chaka Chaka, interviews from legends like author Zakes Mda, and a large social media campaign which included a petition that gather over 4000 signatures. Musician unions CCIFSA and TUMSA have been very vocal on their stance against the Bill, along with international stakeholders like CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers).

We must not however give up hope just yet. Although a major setback, there still exists the possibility of turning everything around and finally getting the president to hear the voices of the people that this Bill will affect. So while we wait, make sure that you are subscribed to our newsletter to ensure that you are informed of updates regarding the Bill.

]]> ./../copyright-amendment-bill-update/feed/index.html 0 German Market Entry Program ./../german-market-entry-program/index.html ./../german-market-entry-program/index.html#respond Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:41:30 +0000 ./../index.html?p=226407

German Market Entry Program

MPASA was honoured to be invited by Hamburg Music to take part in their German music business trade mission to South Africa. The program took place from February 5 to 9, 2024, and included visits to Johannesburg and Cape Town, where the German delegation engaged with key players in the South African music industry.

The delegation comprised of 10 German SMEs representing various sectors of the music industry, including Publishing, Recorded Music and Distribution, Live Entertainment, and Artist Management. The mission aimed to foster collaboration and exchange between the German and South African music industries, exploring opportunities for partnership and growth.

MPASA members participated in meetings and networking sessions with the delegation, and MPASA Chairperson Thando Makhunga took part in a panel discussion where she provided valuable insights into the South African music market and its potential for international collaboration. The visit highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in the music industry and the mutual benefits of sharing knowledge and resources.

We look forward to potential future collaborations Hamburg Music and its German delegates that will further strengthen the ties between the German and South African music industries.

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