SAMPRA is responsible for administering Needletime Rights and collecting royalties on behalf of recording artists and record companies when their music is played by licensed users. Membership is free and available via the SAMPRA portal or mobile app. Through its Development Fund, SAMPRA supports artists, labels, and promoters with project funding and has taken over 60 artists on international tours since 2020. Members also benefit from a retirement and burial scheme at no cost. SAMPRA’s #LoveTheBeatPayForPlay campaign encourages music users to become licensed and support the local music economy.
SAMPRA AT MUZIKI AFRICA
SAMPRA AT MUZIKI AFRICA
The South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) is the collective management organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of recording artists and record companies. As a proud partner of Muziki Africa, SAMPRA is here to empower Africa’s music creators with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive.
Through its robust systems, SAMPRA licenses the public performance of recorded music and ensures that royalties are collected and fairly distributed to rightful performers and rights holders. From radio and television broadcasts to in-store and public space plays, SAMPRA works tirelessly to make sure artists are paid for every performance of their work.
SAMPRA also:
Provides financial support through grant funding and relief initiatives
Drives industry education and capacity-building programmes
Advocates for stronger copyright legislation and creative rights in South Africa
Supports the next generation of artists through mentorship and community outreach
At Muziki Africa, SAMPRA invites artists, labels, producers, and music professionals to:
Understand how performance rights work
Learn how to register and earn royalties
Gain insight into the economic value of intellectual property
Connect with experts shaping the future of music rights on the continent
Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, SAMPRA is here to protect your sound—and your income.
Let’s amplify African music, protect its creators, and celebrate its value to the world.
#LoveTheBeatPayForPlay #ltbpfp #MuzikiAfrica #FAMEWeekAfrica #TellItBoldTellItAfrican
10 MUST KNOW FACTS ABOUT SAMPRA
10 FACTS ABOUT SAMPRA
- SAMPRA stands for the South African Music Performance Rights Association and administers a music right called Needletime Rights.
- SAMPRA collects Needletime Rights royalties on behalf of recording artists and record companies.
- Royalties are paid to recording artists and record companies when licensed music users play their tracks. If non-licensed music users play your music, you will unfortunately not get any royalties.
- SAMPRA membership registration is FREE. You can register for membership via their portal or the SAMPRA Mobile App available on Google Play and Apple Store.
- The SAMPRA Development Fund is a Corporate Social Investment arm of SAMPRA and exists to give back to the music industry, by providing project funding to recording artists, record companies, cultural organisations, and music promoters who are passionate about promoting South African music, locally and abroad regardless of genre.
- Since 2020, the SAMPRA Development Fund has taken over 60 South African artists on international tours.
- Click here to see the available funding opportunities offered by SAMPRA Development Fund
- SAMPRA has a retirement savings benefit and burial scheme benefit for its members, free of charge.
- SAMPRA has embarked on a campaign #LoveTheBeatPayForPlay to encourage non-compliant music users to be compliant and take up a SAMPRA music user licence for the benefit of South African recording artists.
- To apply for a SAMPRA music user licence, simply click here. If you need assistance with your application, you can email the Licensing Department at [email protected] or call 011 561 9660 during office hours.
MEET THE SAMPRA TEAM
MEET THE SAMPRA TEAM
Pfanani Lishivha
CEO of SAMPRA
Pfanani Lishivha is the CEO of SAMPRA and a leading figure in South Africa’s collective rights administration. With over 20 years of executive experience and two Master’s degrees in policy development, he has championed the rights of recording artists through strategic leadership, conflict resolution, and international collaboration. Under his guidance, SAMPRA has distributed nearly R2 billion in royalties and joined global networks like SCAPR and IFPI. He also launched the SAMPRA Development Fund to empower artists and preserve cultural heritage. Pfanani is a respected public speaker and trusted voice on neighbouring rights and music industry policy.
Tiyani Maluleke
CMO + Head of SAMPRA Development Fund
Tiyani Maluleke is the Chief Marketing Officer and Head of the SAMPRA Development Fund. With an MBA and a background in Accounting and Marketing, she brings over two decades of cross-functional leadership across finance, strategy, stakeholder engagement, and brand management. Tiyani leads South Africa’s largest fund dedicated to supporting recording artists, championing initiatives that empower the music industry. Her work is informed by global trends and driven by a passion for sustainable growth, innovation, and artist development. She is widely respected for her strategic insight and unwavering commitment to excellence.