Frequently Asked Questions

South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) is a South African Collective Management Organisation (CMO) that administers and collects royalties on behalf of performers and record companies when commercially recorded music is broadcast or used in public. The right that SAMPRA administers is called Neighbouring/Needletime Right.  

SAMPRA licenses the public performance and broadcast rights in sound recordings. This includes:

• Radio broadcasts,
• Television broadcasts,
• Music played in stores, restaurants, bars, and public venues,
• Background music services, 
• Gym and fitness classes, and
• Events and live venues using recorded music.

No. Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) represents composers, authors, and publishers (the underlying musical works).

SAMPRA represents performers and record companies (the sound recordings).

In most cases, businesses that play music publicly need both SAMPRA and SAMRO licences.

You need a SAMPRA licence if you:

• Operate a radio station,
• Run a retail store, restaurant, bar, or club,
• Own a salon, gym, or hospitality venue,
• Host events where recorded music is played,
• Operate a public transport service that plays music, and
• Use music in a commercial environment and if music is played in a space accessible to the public (including employees), licensing is generally required.

South African copyright laws protect the rights of performers and record companies. When music is played publicly or broadcast, royalties must be paid to ensure artists and rights holders are compensated fairly for the use of their property. 

Fees/tariffs are typically based on:

• Type of business,
• Size of premises,
• Audience capacity,
• Nature of music usage (background vs. featured), and
• Revenue of music user.

Failure to obtain a licence may result in:

• Legal action,
• Backdated licence fees,
• Penalties and interest, and
• Reputational damage.

Therefore, it is more cost effective to take a licence proactively. 

No. Personal streaming subscriptions do not cover your licensing obligations to SAMPRA. A business playing streamed music publicly still requires a SAMPRA licence.

You can apply by:

• Contacting SAMPRA directly on the contact details available at the end of this leaflet. You can also complete an application form on our website (https://www.sampra.org.za/ctp-application-form/)

Royalties are distributed to:

• Featured performers,
• Non-featured/session musicians, and
• Record labels

Licensing requirements depend on usage type and commercial intent. You may require a SAMPRA licence if you are:

• Broadcasting an online radio,
• Streaming music as part of a commercial audio service, and/or
• Using recorded music in monetised digital environments

Licences are typically valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually unless otherwise structured under a long-term agreement.