.jfif)
In today’s fast-changing music industry, South African artists have more opportunities than ever to turn their talent into income. Whether you’re an independent artist, producer, or songwriter, there are multiple income streams available—some traditional, others digital.
Here's a list of the top 10 ways to make money from your music in South Africa:
1. Performance Royalties from SAMRO
Whenever your music is played on radio, TV, live events, or public spaces, performance royalties are generated. These are collected by the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO).
Tip:
Register as a composer or publisher with SAMRO and submit your setlists regularly to ensure you get paid.
How to Join:
Visit www.samro.org.za and apply online.
2. Mechanical Royalties from CAPASSO
Every stream, download, or reproduction of your song earns mechanical royalties, collected by CAPASSO. These are especially important in the digital age with platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.
How to Earn:
Register with CAPASSO at www.capasso.co.za as a songwriter or publisher.
3. Needletime Royalties from SAMPRA
If you’re a featured performer or master rights owner (you own the actual recording), you’re entitled to Needletime Royalties. These are collected by SAMPRA when your recording is broadcast or publicly played.
Join Here:
Visit www.sampra.org.za
4. Distribute Music on Digital Streaming Platforms
Upload your music to platforms like:
Spotify
Apple Music
Deezer
YouTube Music
Boomplay (popular in Africa)
Use digital distributors like:
DistroKid
TuneCore
CD Baby
Ditto Music
Pro Tip:
Release consistently, build playlists, and promote your streams for long-term income.
5. YouTube Monetization
Your official music videos, lyric videos, and behind-the-scenes content can all earn ad revenue through YouTube’s Partner Program.
How to Start:
Create a YouTube channel
Get 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours
Apply for monetization
Use YouTube Content ID via your distributor to monetize music used by others too.
6. Sync Licensing (TV, Ads, Films)
Sync deals involve placing your music in:
Movies
Adverts
Video games
TV shows
You earn upfront fees plus royalties when your music is synced.
How to Get In:
Submit to music libraries (e.g. Audio Network, Songtradr, Marmoset)
Contact South African film production companies
Use platforms like Taxi, Music Gateway, or BEATBRIDGE
7. Sell Beats and Instrumentals
If you’re a producer, you can license your beats to:
Rappers
Singers
Advertisers
Use platforms like:
Beatstars
Airbit
Traktrain
Make money via exclusive licenses, non-exclusive sales, or leases.
8. Live Performances & Virtual Shows
Live gigs remain one of the highest-earning sources for artists.
Options:
Club gigs
Music festivals
Corporate events
Church concerts
Private events
Virtual shows via Instagram Live, YouTube Live, or Zoom
Pro Tip:
Use platforms like Quicket or Webtickets to sell online tickets to your virtual concerts.
9. Sell Merch (T-shirts, CDs, Vinyl, NFTs)
Turn your fans into buyers by selling:
Branded apparel
Posters
Physical albums
Exclusive digital items (e.g., NFTs)
Use local platforms like:
Shopify South Africa
Shopstar.co.za
WhatsApp Business Store
10. Monetize Your Brand (Influencer Deals & Partnerships)
As your following grows, you can work with brands in:
Fashion
Tech
Lifestyle
Education
Finance
Example:
Get paid to promote headphones, energy drinks, or mobile apps on social media.
Tip: Use platforms like:
Webfluential
TheSalt
Collab Central
Final Tips for Success
Register with SAMRO, CAPASSO, RiSA, and SAMPRA to cover all your rights
Use social media to drive traffic to your music
Collect email addresses and build a fanbase you can monetize directly
Track your earnings and set goals for every release
Making money from music in South Africa requires more than talent—it needs knowledge, consistency, and smart strategy. By tapping into all available income streams, from royalties and streams to merch and sync deals, you can turn your passion into a full-time career.
