The RSFAM project is a multifaceted initiative aimed at empowering African music professionals with information, training and tools to maximise their earning potential. Another key goal of the RSFAM project is to advocate for improved legislation in the music industry against the backdrop of a rapidly changing operational environment for music creators.
A key focus of the initiative is to establish a scalable research system for the African music sector that will evaluate and provide detailed analysis in relation to the ways in which music creators earn money in a particular African country. This rigorous examination identifies a definitive framework of the revenue streams available to musicians in each country, while offering a reliable basis for practitioners to adopt and fully maximise on existing and new income streams that are relevant and specific to their work. The pilot phase in South Africa ran from November 2020 to April 2022 and had the following priorities; (1) industry research, analysis, mapping and reporting, (2) capacity building and (3) advocacy for policy change.
During this period the Music In Africa Foundation worked closely with music industry experts and researchers on the following:
- Collection of data on the earning trends of 3000 South African music creators.
- Identification of revenue models that are viable for South African musicians based on their historical and current performance in different locations.
- Development of a peer-reviewed industry report on research findings.
- Dissemination of information and findings from the study.
- Implementing training workshops in Cape Town, Durban, Polokwane and Johannesburg.
- Creation of educational content and capacity-building programmes.
- Appointment of a dedicated Policy Committee which has conducted an audit of local music industry legislation and produced a report with recommendations.
- Organising a policy seminar in Johannesburg on 22 April 2022.
