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Unlocking Music Publishing & Copyright: Insights from the MTN Bushfire x Africa Rising Music Conference Workshop

The music industry is an intricate and ever-evolving space where understanding music publishing and copyright is essential for every creative professional. On March 6, 2025, the MTN Bushfire x Africa Rising Music Conference Online Workshop delivered an insightful masterclass, bringing together industry leaders to discuss critical aspects of music ownership, rights management, and monetization.

A Power-Packed Session with Industry Experts

The workshop featured an esteemed panel of speakers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience:

Juan Aguilar — Composer’s Manager at Paradise Worldwide, an expert in enabling rights holders to maximize their earnings and navigate the global music market.

Tsenolo Ntsane — Operations Manager at MPASA, a driving force in shaping Africa’s music publishing landscape and empowering artists.

Mmeli Hlanze — Executive Director at ESWACOS, working to establish a robust Collective Management Organization in Eswatini and create a sustainable creative economy.

Key Insights from the Masterclass

The session explored a range of crucial topics, including:

Understanding Music Rights — Why knowing the difference between mechanical rights, performance rights, and synchronization rights is vital.

The Role of Music Publishing — How publishing deals work and why proper registration ensures long-term earnings.

Collecting Royalties — The importance of metadata, registering with collection societies, and tracking earnings across various platforms.

Global Music Monetization — Strategies to expand revenue streams beyond local markets.

Why This Masterclass Was a Game-Changer

The biggest takeaway? Owning your music and understanding how to monetize it is just as crucial as creating it. Too often, artists overlook the business side of music, leaving potential earnings on the table. This workshop emphasized that creatives must protect their intellectual property, register their work properly, and leverage publishing opportunities to secure their future.

The Impact on the African Music Industry

Platforms like the MTN Bushfire x Africa Rising Music Conference play an integral role in fostering knowledge-sharing and strengthening the African music ecosystem. As digital platforms continue to reshape the music business, African artists must stay informed and proactive in managing their rights.

A Heartfelt Thank You

A massive thank you to MTN Bushfire and Africa Rising Music Conference for organizing such an insightful and necessary session. Workshops like these equip creatives with the tools they need to navigate the industry with confidence and success.

What’s Next?

For those who attended, what were your biggest takeaways? Let’s keep the conversation going — drop your thoughts in the comments!