Today marked a historic moment for the City of uMhlathuze and the King Cetshwayo District at large, as SAMPRA (South African Music Performance Rights Association) hosted its very first public information-sharing session in the region. The gathering brought together venue owners, DJs, entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leader all with a shared interest in shaping a fair and sustainable music business ecosystem.
Notable attendees included Talent Car Wash from Eshowe, Joey from 1 Mo Nyt, DJ Amenisto of Zakanisto Records and Neighbourhood Shisanyama, Thando Mchunu (author of Broken Roses), Khanyi Mdluli (author of Sketches of the African Stories and blogger at Azania Explore), Deejay Nqobzini (resident DJ at SSS Tavern, Ngwelezane), Andiswa Mdunge of Diviine Creation, Zama Mngadi of BIC Tavern, Sne Makhunga of Nezooh Beauty Bar, Sqinisiko Myeza of Ngijeni Chillz in Enseleni, Thabani Ngubane of Ithuba Agri Biz, Itumeleng Seleke of Nomusa BnB, and Zama Cele of Siphosethu Travel.
Together, these diverse voices spoke in one voice: they are ready to affiliate with SAMPRA as music users. By doing so, they aim to empower local artists through royalties, strengthen the music business value chain, and promote the sustainability of homegrown talent.
Advocate Ntietso Mokitimi-Makhofola applauded the City of uMhlathuze for leading the way in voluntary affiliation. She highlighted that during their recruitment drive, many establishments were already compliant with SAMPRA’s licensing requirements, a clear sign of the city’s progressive stance. Looking ahead, Richards Bay will serve as SAMPRA’s entry point into KwaZulu-Natal, positioning the City of uMhlathuze as a catalyst and model for impact across the province.
Adding her voice, Zama Cele, Deputy Chairperson of UCTO and training & development convenor welcomed SAMPRA’s footprint in the city. She expressed a strong desire to collaborate with the organization in bringing training opportunities not only for tourism establishments but also for artists themselves.
This session was more than an information drive, it was a statement of intent. The City of uMhlathuze is ready to lead by example, proving that when music users, venue owners, and creatives come together under SAMPRA, the result is a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable music industry.
