Call for applications: SAMRO Music Creation Support Fund 2022 

SAMRO has allocated R2.5m to this year's MCSF for 100 members to apply for supporting micro-grants totalling up to R25 000 each. The grant will be used to contribute towards the creation of new and original music works.

SAMRO’s primary role is to administer performing rights on behalf of its members, who are mainly music creators such as song writers, composers and publishers. This means that the MCSF is a win-win for both SAMRO and its members, as the new music works created are anticipated to earn royalties for the members in the future. 

How to apply?

Applicants should outline the creation of a new and original music work. A new and original music work is one that has not been published, publicly performed or broadcast, and can include a new original composition, or the completion of an unpublished work – for example an EP, album, video or score. The final projects should be completed no later than 31 August.

Applications will be assessed on merit by a committee of music industry professionals based on several criteria, including whether the work is a new and original concept, how likely the final product is to succeed and how realistic and implementable the work plan is. The adjudication committee’s decisions will be considered final. 

Interested applicants should complete an online application form before 27 April.

Applicants should note the following:

• The application and funding applies to SAMRO full and associate members only.
• The applicant needs to have an updated short biography.
• The funding is for a new and original music work.
• The work is to be completed before 31 August.
• SAMRO members should apply for themselves and no third-party applications (music managers, promoters, etc.) will be accepted.
• The funds should play a subsidy/support role, and should not be expected to cover the full costs of the creation/production.
• If the application is approved, SAMRO must be acknowledged in the final version of the work.
• If the application is approved, SAMRO will require a copy of the final product for the SAMRO music archive and permission for the work(s) to be available for use as part of SAMRO’s marketing.
• Only one application per member will be accepted, and double dipping (two members applying for the same project) will disqualify both members from the support.

Applicants should have a clear plan:

• About the product/final music work (e.g. recording, video, sheet music, etc.).
• With deadlines and outcomes during a three month period.
• With a list of committed parties collaborating in the creation of the work.
• On how to promote the work to ensure its success.
• With a detailed budget including all anticipated expenditure outlining how the SAMRO grant will be used.
• Of who (if anyone) will share the royalties.

Applicants will be assessed on merit by a committee of music industry professionals based on the following criteria:

• Does the work have a new and original concept?
• How likely is the final product to succeed?
• How realistic and implementable is the work plan?
• How realistic is the budget?
• How clear is the anticipated rights distribution of the completed work?

Note: Members who received MCSF support in 2021 can apply, but priority will be given to successful applicants who have not yet received MCSF support.

Applicants will be asked to declare:

• That all the information provided in this application is correct and true to the best of your knowledge.
• That the music work shall in whole be completely new and original, even though it may embody quotations from, or references to, a pre-existing musical work or works.
• That the work will not constitute an infringement of the copyright of any person or legal entity.
• That the content of the work will not contain anything of a defamatory nature, nor anything that may bring SAMRO into disrepute.

The MCSF was established in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 lockdown, not as a relief fund but to help members of SAMRO maintain their momentum in the industry during lockdown. To prove their ability to produce new works, members were required to submit basic business plans, budgets and marketing plans to demonstrate the grants would enhance their careers as well as help create creative works that would not end up on dusty shelves.

“The initiative proved hugely successful last year, with recipients from all genres – from Harlem blues to hip hop – endeavouring to use our micro-grant support to put their best foot forward in the creation of new music,” SAMRO CEO Mark Rosin said.

The 100 grants, selected by an independent adjudication committee, were spread across 25 genres, the top six being soul, house, Afropop and jazz, with gospel and marginalised indigenous genres sharing the sixth place with 22% each. The grantees represented a wide variety of musicians of different races and genres, closely reflecting SAMRO’s demographics. 

For more information about this call, email mcsf@samro.org.za or phone 011 712 8417 during working hours.