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: Applying as a Performer Member - SAMPRA Connect

• Visit our member portal, https://connect.sampra.org.za/login
• Select Sign Up if you don’t have an active portal account.
• Confirm your email address to finish setting up your account.
• Sign in to apply for membership as a Performer Member.
• Select the Apply as a Performer tab and complete the application form in full. The application will require you to fill in your personal details.
• You will be required to upload a copy of your ID, proof of residence, and proof of banking.
• After completion of your application form, you will be need to validate your application form by checking that all your information is correct.
• Proceed to accept the terms and conditions, and then click the Submit tab to submit your application form.
• You will receive feedback on your application status within five working days.
• Should you need assistance with your application, you can email us at info@sampra.org.za or call 011 561 9660 during office hours.

Option 2: Applying as a Record Company - SAMPRA Website 

• If you would like to apply for membership on behalf of a record company, you can apply online or download the application form, complete it, and email it back to SAMPRA.
• To apply online, go to https://www.sampra.org.za/record-company-application/      select Online Form and complete it in full.  
• If you prefer to work with a downloadable form, kindly download the form from https://www.sampra.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SAMPRA-Application-Form-Record-Companies.pdf and complete it in full. Email the completed application form to info@sampra.org.za.
• 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.

• 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