Frequently Asked Questions

• The right of the record company and recording artist to receive royalties whenever their commercially released tracks are used in public.

• Needletime/Neighbouring Rights royalties are music royalties paid to record companies and recording artists whenever their commercially released tracks are played by licensed music users such as radio broadcasters, retailers, clubs, pubs, restaurants, etc.
• Remember that to earn royalties from SAMPRA, the music user MUST be licensed by SAMPRA.
• For a list of SAMPRA licensed, click here.

• Record companies, recording artists as well international CMOS who administer Neighbouring Rights in their territories.

• Recording artists are people and/or groups who make an audible contribution (sound) when a track is recorded.
• Examples of recording artists = lead vocalists, bands, backing vocalists, sessionists, instrumentalists and producers.

• A Featured Performer is a person or a band in whose name the track or album is recorded under.
• For example, on the track, “Kulakwe”, Makhadzi is a Featured Performer and Master KG is what you call an Other Featured Performer (see 6 for definition).
• On the track, “Homeless” by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, all members of the band would be referred to as Featured Performers.
• For certain genres of music, such as Amapiano, Producers can also qualify for Featured Performer status.

• It is a guest recording artist who was featured by the Featured Performer in a track.
• For example, on the track, “Kulakwe”, Makhadzi is a Featured Performer and Master KG is what you call an Other Featured Performer.

• A Non-Featured Performer is a recording artist who was present and participated in the making of a track or an album for a fixed period or what is normally called, in the industry, as a session.
• Backing vocalists, instrumentalist & studio producers would fall under this definition.

• SAMPRA’s mandate is limited to the administration of Neighbouring/Needletime Rights. We do not record, promote, “plug” or distribute music.

• SAMPRA administers Needletime/Neighbouring Rights on behalf of recording artists and recording companies for sound recordings.
• SAMRO administers Performing Rights on behalf of authors, composers, and publishers of musical works.
• CAPASSO administers Mechanical Rights on behalf of authors, composers, and publishers of musical works.

• Yes, you can. This is because we all administer three different rights (see 9 above).
• If you are a singer-songwriter, you can collect Neighbouring Rights royalties from SAMPRA for your sound recordings, Performing Rights and Mechanical Rights royalties from SAMRO and CAPASSO for your compositions.

Option 1: SAMPRA App

• Download the SAMPRA app on Google Play or Apple Store.
• Click on Contact.
• Click on Apply as a Recording Artist and complete that form.
• After applying for membership, also complete the Notification of Recorded Performance form which is also on the app.
• Complete the form by putting ALL the details relating commercially released tracks that you participated in.
• It is important to complete the Notification of Recorded Performance because the track information you provide is what we use to pay you your royalties.
  

Option 2: SAMPRA Website 

• Visit our website, www.sampra.org.za
• Click on Recording Artists & Record Companies (insert link)
• Select Member Forms from the drop-down menu.
• If you are a recording artist, select Application Form Recording Artists and complete it in full. 
• You’ll also need to notify us of all the tracks that you’ve performed on so that we are able to pay you royalties if those tracks are ever used by our licensed music users.
  • To notify us of ALL the tracks that you have performed on:
  • Click on Notification of Recorded Performance Form
  • Complete the form by putting in ALL the details relating to commercially released tracks that you participated in 
• If you would like to apply for membership on behalf of a record company, kindly select Application Form Record Companies and complete it in full.
• If you would like to notify us of all the tracks that are owned by your record company, kindly send us an email to info@sampra.org.za and request for a Repertoire Notification Form.

Option 3: Download Application Form

• Visit our website, www.sampra.org.za
• Click on Recording Artists and Record Companies 
• Select Member Forms from the drop-down menu
• Find the relevant forms under Downloadable Forms
• If you are a recording artist, select the downloadable form: Application Form Recording Artists.
• You’ll also need to notify us of all the tracks that you’ve performed on so that we are able to pay you royalties if those tracks are ever used by our licensed music users.
  • To notify us of ALL the tracks that you have performed on:
  • Click on Notification of Recorded Performance Form.
  • Complete the form by putting in ALL the details relating to commercially released tracks that you participated in.
• If you would like to apply on behalf of a record company, select the downloadable form: Application Form Record Companies. 
• Email the completed application form to info@sampra.org.za

Option 4: Request Form via Email

• You can send us an email to request an application form and/or a notification form by sending your request to info@sampra.org.za

• We are available during working hours, Monday to Friday, from 08:00-16:00 on 011 561 9660.
• We are also available on social media under these accounts:
  • Facebook: South African Music Performance Rights Association
  • Instagram: sampra_rsa
  • Twitter: @OfficialSAMPRA