The future of African music is not only being written in recording studios and on concert stages. It is increasingly being shaped in boardrooms, classrooms and entrepreneurial spaces where artists and music professionals are learning how to transform creative talent into sustainable careers.
That vision was on full display in Johannesburg as 50 music entrepreneurs celebrated the successful completion of the third Music Business Lab (MBL) SAMRO Publishing Programme, a milestone that many industry leaders believe is helping strengthen the foundations of South Africa’s music ecosystem.
Hosted at Warner Music Group’s Johannesburg offices on 29 May 2026, the graduation ceremony brought together artists, producers, songwriters, publishers and creative entrepreneurs who had spent months developing a deeper understanding of the business side of the music industry.
More than a celebration of academic achievement, the event reflected a growing recognition that success in today’s music landscape requires both creative excellence and commercial knowledge.
Building More Than Careers
Selected from hundreds of applicants, the Class of 2026 represented a diverse cross-section of South Africa’s music industry.
Participants travelled from across the country, including Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg and Limpopo, demonstrating a shared commitment to investing in their future and contributing to the growth of African music.
Their journeys reflect a broader shift within the industry, where creators increasingly recognise the importance of understanding publishing, licensing, rights management and business development alongside their artistic pursuits.
The Music Business Lab Publishing Programme, delivered in partnership with SAMRO, was designed specifically to empower independent publishers and self-published artists with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex music economy.
A Celebration of Talent and Possibility
The graduation ceremony blended education, inspiration and live performance, creating an atmosphere filled with optimism and achievement.
Guests were treated to performances by hip-hop artist Leezy Lindokuhle and DJ T.EM, alongside Music Business Lab alumni including soulful vocalist Kele M, jazz-gospel artist Nokuthula Fundama and artivist Namhla Bhadela.
Their performances served as a reminder that behind every song, recording and performance lies an ecosystem of business decisions that can influence an artist’s long-term success.
One of the keynote addresses came from Lesego Maforah, Head of Corporate Social Investment at SAMRO, who highlighted the programme’s contribution to creating a stronger and more equitable music industry.
“We are particularly proud of this programme,” said Maforah.
“It continues to create opportunities for our members to deepen their understanding of the music business and strengthen their ability to participate fully within the industry. The knowledge gained here has the potential to influence careers, create employment opportunities, unlock new revenue streams and ensure more creators receive fair value for their work.”
Conversations Shaping the Future
A major highlight of the event was an industry discussion focused on the future of African music and the evolving role of business education within the sector.
Moderated by Siya “Slikour” Metane, the panel brought together influential industry leaders including Munya Chanetsa, Managing Director of Publishing at EMPIRE Africa; Tumi Mogapi, Head of Publishing at Africori and Founding Chair of Women in Music South Africa; Melanie G. Ramjee, Chief Executive Officer of Tutone Communications; and Karabo Senna, General Manager of Licensing at SAMRO.
Under the theme, “Building the Future of African Music,” the panel explored the opportunities and challenges facing creators, while emphasising the importance of equipping artists with the business knowledge necessary to build sustainable and profitable careers.
The discussion reinforced a growing consensus across the industry: understanding the business of music is no longer optional for creators who want to thrive in a rapidly changing global marketplace.
Reflecting on a Growing Legacy
For Music Business Lab founder Ninel Musson, the graduation represented another important chapter in a journey that began just three years ago.
Reflecting on the programme’s evolution since its launch in 2023, Musson noted how a bold idea had developed into one of South Africa’s most impactful publisher development initiatives.
“As we close out the third edition of the SAMRO Music Business Lab Publishing Programme, I find myself reflecting not just on what we have built this year, but on the remarkable journey since we started in 2023,” she said.
“What began as an ambitious pilot has grown into one of the most impactful publisher development programmes in South Africa’s creative economy. And I am super proud of each and every graduate and the potential for what they will achieve next.”
Investing in the Next Generation
The ceremony also included certificate conferrals through the University of Pretoria, which serves as MBL’s academic certification partner.
In another significant announcement, attendees were introduced to The Songwriters Club, a new Music Business Lab Alumni Club dedicated to female songwriters and co-founded by MBL graduate Pilani Bubu.
The initiative reflects the programme’s ongoing commitment to building networks, fostering collaboration and creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
A Stronger Ecosystem for African Music
While the certificates symbolised the completion of a learning journey, the broader significance of the day extended far beyond graduation.
Each participant represents an investment in a more knowledgeable, resilient and sustainable music industry. Every artist who understands publishing rights, every songwriter who learns how to protect their work, and every entrepreneur who gains business expertise contributes to a healthier creative economy.
As Lesego Maforah observed, strengthening business understanding ultimately strengthens the entire music value chain.
The Music Business Lab Class of 2026 stands as a testament to what is possible when creativity and entrepreneurship meet. Together, these graduates are not only building careers for themselves; they are helping shape a stronger future for African music.
