The Vital Role of Music Licensing for DJs and Event Promoters: SAMRO’s Call to Action

On May 14, 2024, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) re-emphasized the critical importance of music licensing for DJs and event promoters. This ensures that music creators are compensated fairly and that the industry continues to thrive. In a significant reminder to the music industry, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) highlighted the crucial importance of music licensing for DJs and event promoters on May 14, 2024. SAMRO, the organization responsible for collecting and distributing royalties for music creators under Section 6 of the South African Copyright Act 98 of 1978, reiterated the necessity of obtaining a music license to legally play or broadcast music in public.

Music licensing is not just a legal requirement; it is a cornerstone in supporting the livelihoods of music creators. When music is played in public, whether at events, clubs, or online, the creators of that music deserve to be compensated. This system ensures that the creative individuals behind the music we enjoy are rewarded for their contributions, thereby fostering a sustainable and thriving music industry.

SAMRO’s reminder is particularly directed at DJs and event promoters, who have a significant influence on music trends and public tastes. These professionals play a pivotal role in the industry, and by acquiring a SAMRO Music license, they contribute to a system that fairly compensates music creators. The license is a demonstration of their commitment to ethical practices and legal compliance, ensuring that they operate within the law while supporting the broader music community.

The SAMRO Music license is essential for any individual or business involved in playing music publicly, including DJs, event promoters, radio stations, pubs, clubs, and retail establishments. The fees collected through licensing are distributed as royalties to the rightful owners, providing financial support to those who create the music and encouraging ongoing creativity and innovation.

For DJs, the license fee is set at an annual rate of R1,466.87, inclusive of VAT. This fee is automatically renewed each year, ensuring that DJs remain compliant with the law. Event promoters are charged based on the size of their events, reflecting the scale of music usage. To begin the license application process, prospective DJs can visit musicuser.samro.org.za, select the live entertainment option, and then choose Mobile DJ. Alternatively, assistance is available via email at licensing@samro.org.za.

SAMRO’s call to action serves as a reminder to all who use music in public settings to obtain the necessary license. By doing so, they help maintain a vibrant and sustainable music industry, where creators are rightfully compensated, and the cultural landscape continues to flourish.