Joburg to host 2025 CIAM general assembly for music creators

The event, hosted by the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), will bring together global representatives to discuss key issues affecting songwriters and composers, with a particular focus on Africa’s growing role in the global music industry.

The Johannesburg gathering will feature several key events, including the CIAM General Assembly, an African Songhub songwriting camp, and a workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright.

The General Assembly will explore both the challenges and opportunities facing African music creators, while facilitating knowledge exchange among global industry stakeholders. The African Songhub, running from 20 to 23 October, is a collaboration between CAPASSO, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), APRA AMCOS, and the African Music Academy (AMA). The camp will bring together producers and songwriters to collaborate, share skills, and create new works, which will be premiered during a special listening session at the assembly.

The week will conclude with an AI Workshop led by CAPASSO, focusing on how African creators can navigate the growing influence of AI in music creation and rights management. The discussions will address issues such as the unlicensed use of copyrighted works, fair compensation, and the ethical responsibilities of AI companies towards creators.

CIAM president Arriën Molema said the return of the General Assembly to Africa, following its last visit to Kenya in 2014, was significant for the continent’s music creators. “It’s time to put a spotlight on African music creators and the African music industry,” Molema said. “It will be a week dedicated to African music creators and the challenges they are facing, but also on their creativity, as will be showcased by the Songhub.”

CISAC vice president and CAPASSO board vice chair Yvonne Chaka Chaka said the assembly marked an important moment for African creators. “It is an honour for South Africa to host the CIAM General Assembly, a powerful gathering of global music creators under the banner of CISAC,” she said. “This moment marks a turning point for African creators to take their rightful place in shaping the future of our industry.”

CAPASSO CEO Jotam Matariro said hosting the assembly in South Africa was an opportunity to celebrate songwriters and composers. “Songwriting is the backbone of the music industry and its importance cannot be underestimated,” Matariro said. “At CAPASSO we are committed to supporting and celebrating songwriters and composers. We look forward to hosting CIAM delegates to share their talents and stories with the world and shining the spotlight on African creators.”