Open call: SAMRO Music Creation Support Fund

The programme will provide grants of up to R25 000 to 120 eligible SAMRO Full and Associate Members. Funding is intended to help cover costs associated with qualifying music-creation projects, including albums, singles, compositions, music videos and scores, subject to the fund’s criteria and guidelines.

Since its establishment in 2021, the MCSF has awarded more than R16.5 million to 660 SAMRO members. Between the 2021 and 2026 cycles, the programme received 4,183 applications.

“The Music Creation Support Fund provides our members with an opportunity to transform creative ideas into tangible works that can generate long-term artistic and economic value,” SAMRO CSI Manager Lesego Maforah said. “Through this investment, SAMRO aims to reduce some of the financial barriers experienced by music creators and enable a broader range of voices, genres and creative expressions to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s music ecosystem.”

SAMRO said the fund is designed to address some of the financial challenges associated with music production and recording, with support targeted at projects that can reach audiences, develop creators’ professional profiles and potentially generate future royalty income.

Participation trends

SAMRO’s application data indicates continued demand for the programme, although participation among women and non-binary creators remains lower than that of men.

Female applications increased from 17% in 2022 to 36% in 2023. However, the 2026 cohort comprised:

• 85.5% male applicants
• 14% female applicants
• 0.5% non-binary applicants

Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape have recorded the highest levels of applications in recent cycles.

SAMRO said it is encouraging applications from members across Southern Africa, with particular emphasis on increasing participation among female and non-binary members.

Applications are open to qualifying Full and Associate SAMRO Members in good standing. In accordance with SAMRO’s CSI policy, members who have received financial support through any SAMRO CSI programme within the preceding three years will not be eligible for the current funding cycle

Application details

Eligible SAMRO Full and Associate Members can apply for grants of up to R25 000.

• Applications: 1 September 2026
• Closing date: 30 September 2026 at 5.pm
• Number of grants: 120
• Total funding: R3 million
• Maximum grant: R25 000
• Eligible projects: Albums, singles, compositions, music videos and scores, subject to the programme guidelines
• Enquiries: [email protected]

Applicants requiring assistance are advised to contact SAMRO before the closing deadline.

Maforah said the creation of new musical works could contribute to the development of South African intellectual property and create opportunities for future royalty income and employment.

“Every new musical work strengthens the body of South African intellectual property and creates the potential for future royalties, employment and wider economic participation,” Maforah said.

“We therefore encourage eligible SAMRO members with well-developed and achievable projects to take advantage of this opportunity.”