MUSIC BUSINESS LAB’S CLASS OF 2026 BUILDINGA STRONGER MUSIC ECOSYSTEM

If a picture speaks a thousand words, then the sight of 50 music entrepreneurs gathered in celebration after completing the intensive MBL SAMRO Publishing programme tells a powerful story. It is the story of an industry that increasingly recognises that creative talent and business knowledge belong side by side. It is also a story that many industry leaders wish had been available when they began their own journeys.

The celebratory atmosphere at Warner Music Group’s Johannesburg offices on Friday, 29 May 2026, was charged with accomplishment and possibility as graduates of the third Music Business Lab (MBL) Publishing Programme, for Independent Publishers and Self-Published Artists in partnership with SAMRO, celebrated the successful completion of a learning journey designed to strengthen their understanding of the business behind the music with senior industry leaders in attendance including Ryan Hill of Universal Music Publishing and Adam Tiran is General Manager – Africori Digital Music Solutions.

Selected from hundreds of applicants, the cohort brought together artists, producers, songwriters, publishers and creative entrepreneurs from across South Africa. Some graduates travelled from Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg and Limpopo to attend in person, united by a commitment to investing in themselves, their businesses and the future of African music.

The celebration featured standout performances by Hip-hop artist Leezy Lindokuhle and DJ T.EM, as well as MBL Alumni, including soulful singer Kele M, jazz-gospel artist Nokuthula Fundama and artivist Namhla Bhadela. One of the Keynote speakers, Lesego Maforah, Head of CSI at SAMRO, took to the stage to speak about the programme’s role in building a stronger and more equitable music value chain.

       “We are particularly proud of this programme. 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.”

    

A highlight of the morning was an engaging industry conversation moderated by Siya ‘Slikour’ Metane, featuring 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, CEO of Tutone Communications, and Karabo Senna, General Manager of Licensing at SAMRO. Under the theme “Building the Future of African Music,” the panel shared candid reflections on the evolution of the music industry and the importance of business knowledge for building sustainable careers.

Reflecting on the programme’s growth, Music Business Lab Founder Ninel Musson said: “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. 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!

The ceremony included certificate conferrals from the University of Pretoria, MBL’s academic certification partner, and a special announcement of The Songwriters Club: a new MBL Alumni Club for female songwriters, co-founded by MBL graduate Pilani Bubu.

While the certificates marked the successful completion of the programme, the real celebration belonged to the graduates themselves. Artists, producers, songwriters, publishers and music entrepreneurs from across South Africa made a deliberate investment in their growth, their businesses and their futures. As Mafora noted, every creator who deepens their understanding of the music business contributes to a stronger, more sustainable music ecosystem. Together, the Class of 2026 represents a collective investment in the future of African music.

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