The Composers’ Association of South Africa (CASA) has declared war on the lack of music industry knowledge amongst many of South African music composers. For too long, artists have been educated and skilled only in their arts discipline, without the business, financial and self-management skills that they require to be become successful and financially secure in their careers. Too many composers have died as paupers due to bad business, legal and management decisions.

CASA was formed in 2002 by a group of concerned music composers after realizing that there was a lack of information flow amongst music composers and within the music industry in general.

Some of CASA’s objectives include:

- Offering information and general advice to music composers

- Promoting knowledge and understanding towards fair and effective management of composer’s music rights.

- Promoting and Protecting the rights of South African Music Composers

- Providing a forum for debating issues of interest to Composers

You may also visit www.composers.co.za to read more on CASA’s objectives as well as to join as a Member. CASA is ably led by the current executive committee consisting of Musa Manzini (Chairperson) Colin Shapiro (Deputy Chair) Ron Brettell, Concord Nkabinde, JB Arthur, Keith Hutchinson, Joel Assiasky and Mfanelo Ntlama.

2012 sees CASA’s objectives being intensified by tackling “industry ignorance” head on. There are 4 main Workshops scheduled for 2012 under the theme:

“EARNING INCOME FROM COMPOSING MUSIC.”

The first workshop will take place on the 7th March 2012 and will focus on “Understanding Music Publishing”, a topic least understood by many music composers. There will also be a session of Advice from a legal perspective from a well-respected entertainment lawyer. The rest of the workshop series will be announced after the 7th March workshop. CASA also intends to duplicate these workshops in other Provinces.

This workshop is FREE to all music composers, however you would need to register and reserve your space by sending an e-mail to exco@composers.co.za or an sms to 082 444 9762.

Workshop Details:

Workshop topic:    “Understanding Music Publishing”

Date:    Wednesday 7th March 2012

Time:    10am – 1pm

Venue:  SAMRO House, 20 De Korte Street, Braamfontein, Jhb.

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For Media Enquiries & Interviews

Musa Manzini/Concord Nkabinde

Workshop Enquiries:

Mhlanganisi Masoga

SENA: Stakeholder Hub Administrator

Tel. 011 712-8421 / 8419

Issued by: CASA (Composers’ Association of South Africa)