Global voice of music creators CIAM to bring General Assembly, Songwriting Camp and AI Workshop to South Africa this October

The International Council of Music Creators (CIAM) will be holding its annual General Assembly, hosted by CAPASSO, in Johannesburg, South Africa on October 22nd and 23rd, 2025.

African music creators have historically always had a great impact on the global music scene and continue having this influence with new styles like amapiano and drift phonk. The African music market is dynamic, and the sub-Saharan African music market is the fastest growing region in music according to IFPI. In copyright, the 2024 CISAC Global Collections Report showed 75% of digital collections on the continent takes place in South Africa, showing an increase of 10.2% in copyright digital collections.

This market growth highlights the importance of fair remuneration for African music creators, through a strong legal copyright framework and well-functioning collective management organizations. CIAM’s focus on Africa and choosing South Africa to host its GA presents a unique opportunity to align collections growth with real economic outcomes for music creators. Developments surrounding the South African Copyright Amendment Bill underscore this need for robust legal frameworks that protect creators’ rights.

The events in Johannesburg will include the CIAM General Assembly, a Songhub, and an AI Workshop. 

The General Assembly will focus on the challenges and opportunities for African music creators and the African music industry. Furthermore, it will be an exchange of best practices and a strengthening of the network of global music creators. The first African Songhub Songwriting camp will take place from October 19th-23rd, and is a joint effort between authors societies (CMO’s) CAPASSO, SAMRO, and APRA AMCOS, and the AMA. This songwriting camp will see producers, songwriters, and music creators come together to create songs, share experiences, and exchange expertise. During the GA, these created songs will be presented for the first time in a special listening session.

The week will finish with an AI Workshop by CAPASSO which will set the basis on African music creators will navigate the existence of AI. The workshop will ensure an exchange of information and best practices on AI regulation as well as challenges between African music creators and the global community of creators. The unlicensed use of copyrighted works, lack of proper remuneration and respect of fundamental rights of music creators by AI companies are expected to be at the forefront of the workshop discussions and panels.

Arriën Molema, CIAM President:

“I’m excited that CIAM will return to the African continent after 11 years. It’s time to put a spotlight on African music creators and the African music industry. It will be a week dedicated to African music creators and the challenges they are facing, but also on their creativity, as will be showcased by the Songhub.”

Yvonne Chaka Chaka, CISAC Vice President and CAPASSO Board Vice Chair:

“It is an honour for South Africa to host the CIAM General Assembly — a powerful gathering of global music creators under the banner of CISAC. As Vice Chair of the CAPASSO board and Vice President of CISAC, I believe this moment marks a turning point for African creators to take their rightful place in shaping the future of our industry. Let this assembly ignite a new era of unity, recognition, and empowerment for South African and African music voices across the world.”

Jotam Matariro, CAPASSO CEO:

“I am thrilled to host the CIAM General assembly, a premier gathering celebrating the art and craft of creators who champion songwriting on its second return to Africa after it was first hosted in Kenya in 2014. Songwriting is the backbone of the music industry and its importance cannot be underestimated. It is a universal language that has the power to touch hearts, minds and souls. At CAPASSO we are committed to supporting and celebrating songwriters and composers. We look forward to hosting CIAM delegates to share their talents and stories with the world and shining the spotlight on African creators.”