On 09 April 2024, Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) in partnership with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) will host the Business of Music Workshop at Joburg Theatre. This collaboration stems from the groundbreaking research conducted by SAMRO in 2021, shedding light on Women’s Rights and Representation in the South African music sector. Through this joint initiative, SAMRO and BIMA aim to empower women and drive gender equality within the music industry through a comprehensive series of workshops and programs.
This workshop aims to provide music creators with the necessary skills and tools to navigate the complexities of the music industry effectively. It covers topics such as contract comprehension, registration with Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), and strategic music promotion for maximum exposure.
Participants will receive valuable guidance on understanding the intricacies of contracts to safeguard their rights and fulfil obligations. Additionally, they will learn about the importance of CMO registration to protect their intellectual property and optimise revenue generation.
The workshop will focus on essential music creation and production elements, empowering musicians to establish a solid foundation for their creative pursuits. It emphasises the importance of copyright protection and proper registration procedures to ensure participants maintain ownership and control over their creations.
Furthermore, practical strategies for music promotion across various platforms will be provided, including streaming services, radio playlists, and television exposure. Participants will learn how to craft tailored promotional strategies suitable for their unique musical style and target audience.
The underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions in the music industry contributes to their marginalisation vis-a-vis their male counterparts. Women in the music industry face a plethora of challenges that are at the core of their marginalisation, and through the Business of Music Workshops, the aim is to empower, educate, and equip them with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of the music industry. These workshops play a significant role in bridging the gap and ensuring equal opportunities for women creatives without any gender inequality or polarisation.
“In our commitment to empowering women in the music industry, SAMRO recognised Basadi in Music Awards (BIMA) as a formidable partner in encouraging greater female participation in the music industry. Through this collaboration, SAMRO developed a series of workshops to foster positive change for women in the music business based on the Women’s Rights and Representation research recommendations.
“The lack of female representation in the music industry, highlighted in the research, necessitated SAMRO to launch these workshops to educate and empower more women to take prominent roles in the music business. These workshops represent a significant step towards achieving this goal. The upcoming workshop will dispel myths surrounding the music industry and empower women to protect their creative works, navigate legal complexities, and explore avenues for monetisation. The Business of Music workshop will serve as a valuable resource for female music creators, empowering them to thrive in the music industry” said SAMRO CEO Annabell Lebethe.
Basadi In Music Awards CEO Hloni Modise- Matau said: “At BIMA, we are dedicated to empowering women in music as performers and savvy business owners. This workshop, in partnership with SAMRO, provides a crucial foundation for female music creators to navigate the complexities of the music business and take control of their financial future. We encourage all female music creators to join us and gain the knowledge they need to succeed and build sustainable careers.”