Times Of Swaziland: REGIONAL ARTS SATELLITE OFFICE FOR ESWATINI IN PIPELINE

REGIONAL ARTS SATELLITE OFFICE FOR ESWATINI IN PIPELINE
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Mxolisi Dlamini on 03/02/2025 08:59:00


MBABANE - South African-based collective management organisations SAMRO, AIRCO
and IMPRA are set to launch a satellite office in Eswatini. This exciting
development was announced by Stanley Dlamini, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), on the final day
of the Eswatini Arts Summit. The summit took place last week at the Institute of
Development Management (IDM). The Southern African Music Rights Organisation
(SAMRO) is a copyright asset management society established under the South
African Copyright Act.
Its primary aim is to protect the intellectual property rights of music creators
by licensing music users, collecting licence fees and distributing royalties to
artists. Similarly, the Independent Music Performance Rights Association (IMPRA)
is a non-profit South African entity accredited by the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission Office
(CIPC). IMPRA operates as a collecting society with a clear focus on needle-time
collection and distribution. The Association of Independent Record Companies
(AIRCO) is dedicated to proactively serving and representing the interests of
independent record labels throughout South Africa and beyond.
Dlamini elaborated on the forthcoming satellite office, stating that it will
centralise the services of all three organisations within Eswatini. “The
office will be established in the country by March this year. Our aim is to
bring the services offered by these offices closer to artists. It will be a
single office that provides all the services of the different organisations,”
Dlamini noted.
Enthusiasm
Stanley Khoza, Vice Chairperson of AIRCO, supported Dlamini’s sentiments,
expressing enthusiasm about the potential this new office holds for artists in
Eswatini. He elaborated during his presentation at the Eswatini Arts Summit,
highlighting the necessity of creating an enabling environment for artists.
“Our goal is fostering mentorship and coaching as means to enhance the quality
of musical expression and to support small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs)
entering the music industry value chain.
Inspire
‘‘We aim to empower established labels to inspire emerging ones, while also
creating opportunities for the transfer of knowledge and experience through
regional and international exchanges,” Khoza stated. With the establishment of
these offices within the kingdom, artists will not only gain improved access to
royalty collections but also receive guidance on taking their craft to
international markets. The networking opportunities afforded through
partnerships with these organisations may provide invaluable connections and
collaborations. Moreover, having a satellite office in Eswatini signals a
commitment from these South African organisations to broaden their support for
local talent and foster an arts ecosystem that empowers creatives.
The presence of such organisations may also serve to elevate the profile of
Eswatini’s artistic community within the region, paving the way for
collaborations and partnerships that can enhance the overall landscape of the
creative industries in the country. The Eswatini Arts Summit, held at the IDM,
created a hub of creativity, networking and insightful discussions among
participants. Artists, producers, and stakeholders gathered to share
experiences, ideas and challenges in the creative sector. It was an opportunity
to collectively explore pathways for growth and development within the industry.
The announcement surrounding the new satellite office is particularly timely, as
the pandemic has had a harsh impact on artists and artisans globally.
Now, more than ever, support from established organisations is paramount in
assisting creatives to navigate an industry that is continually evolving. SAMRO,
AIRCO and IMPRA’s commitment to open an office in Eswatini may serve not just
as a lifeline to artists, but also as an inspiration for local talent to thrive.
With increased resources and mentorship, artists may find themselves better
positioned to not only sustain their careers but also innovate within their
craft. Local creatives should take advantage of the resources and services
offered by these organisations, from educational workshops on copyright issues
to networking events designed to foster connections.
In doing so, they will not only enhance their own work but also contribute to
the broader development of the arts in Eswatini. The impending launch of the
SAMRO, AIRCO and IMPRA satellite office in Eswatini marks an exciting chapter
for local artists. The office aims to provide essential resources, mentorship
and networking opportunities to help nurture and support the country’s
creative talents. This initiative represents a concerted effort to bridge the
gap between local artists and larger markets, ultimately propelling Eswatini’s
vibrant arts scene onto the global stage. Emerging artists are encouraged to
embrace this opportunity and actively engage with these organisations to
maximise their artistic potential and ensure a thriving creative future in
Eswatini.