Music Business Lab’s Class of 2026: Building a Stronger Music Ecosystem in South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa (1 June 2026) – 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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MORE ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS LAB
Music Business Lab is Africa’s first certified music business education platform. We run immersive, applied learning programmes that equip emerging creative entrepreneurs to build sustainable careers and businesses in the music industry. Over several cohorts, we are training more than 1,000 young people, supported the launch more than 200 enterprises, and contributed to more than 2,400 livelihoods across multiple African countries. The signature MBL Publishing Programme is a very special partnership with SAMRO and is accredited through the University of Pretoria.
FAQ – Music Business Lab (MBL) Publishing Programme
1. What is the Music Business Lab (MBL)?
Music Business Lab (MBL) is Africa’s first certified music business education platform. MBL runs immersive, applied learning programmes that equip emerging creative entrepreneurs to build sustainable careers and businesses in the music industry.
2. What is the MBL Publishing Programme?
The MBL Publishing Programme is an intensive learning programme for independent publishers and self-published artists in partnership with SAMRO. It is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of the business behind the music, including publishing rights, royalties, licensing, and career sustainability.
3. Who is the programme for?
The programme is designed for:
- Independent music publishers
- Self-published artists
- Songwriters
- Producers
- Creative entrepreneurs
- Aspiring music business professionals
4. Who is the programme in partnership with?
The MBL Publishing Programme is delivered in partnership with SAMRO (the Southern African Music Rights Organisation). The programme also has an academic certification partnership with the University of Pretoria.
5. When did the third edition of the programme take place?
The third edition of the MBL Publishing Programme celebrated its graduation on Friday, 29 May 2026 at Warner Music Group’s Johannesburg offices.
6. How many graduates were in the Class of 2026?
The graduation ceremony celebrated 50 music entrepreneurs who completed the intensive MBL SAMRO Publishing programme.
7. Where did the graduates come from?
Graduates travelled from across South Africa, including:
- Cape Town
- Durban
- Bloemfontein
- Rustenburg
- Limpopo
- Johannesburg
8. Who were the keynote speakers and industry leaders in attendance?
| Name | Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Hill | Universal Music Publishing | Attendee |
| Adam Tiran | Africori Digital Music Solutions | General Manager |
| Lesego Maforah | SAMRO | Head of CSI (Keynote Speaker) |
| Siya ‘Slikour’ Metane | – | Industry conversation moderator |
9. Who was on the industry panel?
The panel titled “Building the Future of African Music” featured:
| Panelist | Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Munya Chanetsa | EMPIRE Africa | Managing Director of Publishing |
| Tumi Mogapi | Africori | Head of Publishing; Founding Chair of Women in Music South Africa |
| Melanie G. Ramjee | Tutone Communications | CEO |
| Karabo Senna | SAMRO | General Manager of Licensing |
10. Who performed at the graduation celebration?
Performances included:
- Leezy Lindokuhle (hip-hop artist)
- DJ T.EM
- Kele M (soulful singer, MBL Alumni)
- Nokuthula Fundama (jazz-gospel artist, MBL Alumni)
- Namhla Bhadela (artivist, MBL Alumni)
11. What is The Songwriters Club?
The Songwriters Club is a new MBL Alumni Club for female songwriters, co-founded by MBL graduate Pilani Bubu. It was announced during the graduation ceremony.
12. What certification do graduates receive?
Graduates receive certification from the University of Pretoria, MBL’s academic certification partner.
13. What is the overall impact of Music Business Lab?
Over several cohorts, MBL has:
- Trained more than 1,000 young people
- Supported the launch of more than 200 enterprises
- Contributed to more than 2,400 livelihoods across multiple African countries
14. Who founded Music Business Lab?
Music Business Lab was founded by Ninel Musson.
15. What did Ninel Musson say about the programme?
“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!”
16. What did Lesego Maforah say about the programme?
“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.”
17. How can I apply for future MBL programmes?
Interested applicants should monitor the Music Business Lab official website and social media channels for announcements regarding future intake and application deadlines.
18. Is the programme only for South Africans?
While the third cohort focused on South African participants, MBL operates across multiple African countries and has trained participants from various nations.
19. What is SAMRO’s role in the programme?
SAMRO (Southern African Music Rights Organisation) is a key partner in the MBL Publishing Programme. SAMRO’s Head of CSI, Lesego Maforah, spoke at the graduation about the programme’s role in building a stronger and more equitable music value chain.
20. Where was the graduation ceremony held?
The graduation ceremony took place at Warner Music Group’s Johannesburg offices on Friday, 29 May 2026.
