Open call: BIMAs-SAMRO music business workshop for women

The collaboration between the BIMAs and SAMRO stems from a research conducted by SAMRO in 2021, which shed light on women’s rights and representation in the South African music sector. Through this joint initiative, SAMRO and the BIMAs are aiming to empower women and drive gender equality within the music industry through a comprehensive series of workshops and programmes.

The workshop seeks to provide music creators with the necessary skills and tools to navigate the complexities of the music industry effectively. It will cover topics such as contract comprehension, registration with collective management organisations (CMOs), and strategic music promotion for maximum exposure.

Participants will receive valuable guidance, from understanding the intricacies of contracts to safeguard their rights and fulfil obligations. Additionally, they will learn about the importance of protecting their intellectual property and optimising 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 will emphasise 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.

“In our commitment to empowering women in the music industry, SAMRO recognised BIMAs as a formidable partner in encouraging greater female participation in the music industry,” SAMRO CEO Annabell Lebethe said. “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 underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions in the music industry, a joint statement reads, contributes to their marginalisation in relation to their male counterparts. Women in the music industry face a plethora of challenges that are at the core of their marginalisation.

Lebethe added: “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.”

BIMAs CEO Hloni Modise-Matau said: “At the BIMAs, we are dedicated to empowering women in music as performers and savvy business owners. This workshop 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.”

Interested participants can register for the workshop here.