Executive Committee Candidate - Thando Nyameni

I am deeply honoured to express my interest in joining the CIAM Executive Committee as an African music composer with over 30 years of experience. For the past decade, it has been my life's goal to empower African music authors and composers by creating educational programs that simplify the complex nature of copyright in music. These programs focus on the bundle of rights, positioning copyright for income generation, and managing and protecting these rights to ensure that copyright owners benefit economically.

My advocacy in this regard has led me to several organizations dedicated to empowering music creators with industry knowledge, market access, and policy advocacy. My work has been particularly focused on helping creators maximize their potential in a business environment shaped by rapidly developing technologies. As the African music market gains global attention, particularly through genres like AmaPiano and Afrobeat, this work has become even more critical.

As a composer and board member of CAPASSO, an organization with a pan-African stance representing thousands of independent music authors and composers, I believe my addition to the CIAM Executive Committee would help further the gains of CIAM's mission to be a fully unified global voice for music creators. While I see the potential for personal growth as a music business professional by joining the ExCo, I am also confident that my skills, experience in corporate governance, and qualifications will ensure that my contributions are effective and aligned with CIAM's overall mandate, ensuring full representation of Africa.

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this role and look forward to the possibility of contributing to the important work of CIAM.

BIO

Thando Nyameni, hailing from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is an accomplished R&B singer/songwriter and a seasoned executive with over a decade of experience in executive management and corporate governance. He currently serves as the Managing Director at the KwaZulu-Natal United Music Industry Association (KUMISA), Part-time Music Business Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and as the Chairperson of Music Creators South Africa, an organisation representing the interests of South African music authors and composers. Thando holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from MANCOSA and is currently pursuing an MBA.

Actively involved in various music industry board and executive roles, including positions at Moshito Music Conference, Music Creators South Africa, and CAPASSO, Thando's expertise spans enterprise, sector, and social development, as well as leadership and public administration. With a career exceeding two decades, including over eight years in executive positions, he possesses extensive knowledge of South African legislative frameworks such as the PFMA, MFMA, Companies Act, Copyright Act, and Performer's Protection Act. Additionally, Thando is a co-owner of Spotless Worx SA, a music business consultancy firm that provides comprehensive solutions for music businesses across Africa.

MUSICAL JOURNEY

With a musical career spanning two decades, Thando Nyameni has graced numerous stages, sharing the limelight with both local and international luminaries. His diverse discography includes collaborations with other artists, showcasing his versatility. Notable tracks include "No More" featuring Sabotage and "Breathe" featuring his son, Amor The Saint, released under the moniker tn.za. His latest single, "Closet," marks a significant milestone, being the first project released under his full name, supported by Spotless Worx SA and Virgin Music Group SA.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Managing Director, KUMISA (January 2016 – Present)

As the leader of KUMISA, Thando is responsible for driving strategic goals, overseeing executive management and governance duties, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, establishing music industry educational programs, assisting local music firms, and advocating for the rights of KZN music professionals. He provides thought leadership for the creative sector, facilitates global market accessibility for KZN music, prioritizes research for informed industry growth, and demonstrates intellectual leadership in arts management. Thando's role is pivotal in fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring strategic leadership to cultivate a sustainable and profitable music industry ecosystem in KwaZulu-Natal.

GOVERNANCE EXPERIENCE

Thando Nyameni currently serves on the following Boards:

Composers, Authors & Publishers Association (CAPASSO)

Role: Composer Member / Non-Executive Director

Chairperson of the Communication Stakeholder & Relations Committee

Music Creators South Africa (MCSA)

Role: Chairperson of the Board

Moshito Music Conference

Role: ExCo Member and Chairperson of the Corporate Governance Committee