SAMPRA’s ‘Love The Beat Pay for Play’ campaign
Do The Right Thing and Pay for your Music License!
SAMPRA’s ‘Love The Beat Pay for Play’ campaign – In February 2024, the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) filed criminal charges against the restaurant group, Life & Brand Portfolio, for failing to pay the required license fees for the music managed by SAMPRA on behalf of its members.
SAMPRA launched a robust digital campaign to encourage the restaurant group to comply with the law and obtain a SAMPRA music license. After a lot of public outrage towards the restaurant group, an agreement was reached between SAMPRA and Life & Brand Portfolio regarding Needletime Rights royalties. Over thirty of their stores are now compliant.
Love The Beat Pay for Play campaign
Following the campaign to ensure compliance, SAMPRA launched the #LoveTheBeatPayforPlay campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness and stimulate discussions between music creators and music users about the importance of paying for music in establishments to ensure that artists receive fair compensation. When music users do not pay for a music license, they are depriving music creators of their livelihood and contributing to music piracy.
When you pay your license fees, you can be certain that all the recording artists that were part of the music that makes your business thrive, will also thrive
Establishments to Pay for Play
Every establishment plays music to create ambiance. This attracts customers and generates profits. However, when establishments use music without paying for the use of music, it impacts the livelihoods of the artists. Therefore, establishments must do the right thing and pay for play.
There is a high level of non-compliance with establishments in South Africa. Many are unaware of how the music license they obtain benefits the artists. SAMPRA’s campaign aims to raise awareness and engage in meaningful discussions with music users. To ensure they view a music license as a necessary business expense.
Paid License Fees Prevent Legal Issues
Music is important in any establishment, influencing the length of time patrons stay. If the establishment enjoys the music, it’s only fair to pay for it. As it provides limitless access to music and compliance with license fees can prevent legal issues.
SAMPRA encourages all music users to support South African artists by doing the right thing and paying for their music license.
To view SAMPRA’s licensing tariffs, click HERE
For Licensing inquiries, kindly email the Licensing Department at Licensing@sampra.org.za or call during office hours at 011 561 9660.
