KAMP Secures Landmark Royalty Agreement with South Africa’s SAMPRA
Kenya Association of Music Producers (KAMP) has achieved a historic milestone with the signing of a reciprocal agreement with the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), marking a significant leap in the organization’s commitment to enhancing royalty collection for Kenyan music performers and producers.
The landmark agreement, signed by KAMP CEO CS Maurice Okoth and SAMPRA CEO Mr. Pfanani Lishivha, was formalized during the 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa Performance Rights Conference (PRC), held in Cape Town from April 9–10.
Hosted by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and SAMPRA, the summit drew key industry players including record labels, music licensing companies, and collective management organizations from across the region.
This new pact enables KAMP to collect royalties on behalf of Kenyan performers whose music is used in South Africa. Conversely, SAMPRA will do the same for South African artists whose works are used in Kenya.
It is the first such deal under KAMP’s expanded mandate, following the receipt of its provisional license to represent performers.
“This partnership is a major breakthrough for our members,” said Maurice Okoth. “For the first time, Kenyan performers will start receiving royalties from South Africa a country where Kenyan music has gained significant traction.
This reciprocal agreement is a true embodiment of mutual benefit: you do for me, I do for you.”SAMPRA CEO Pfanani Lishivha echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the years of groundwork laid to build capacity for licensing and distribution in the East African region.
“We believe this partnership will result in the continuous flow of neighbouring rights royalties between our two countries. It’s about ensuring right holders in both Kenya and South Africa earn what they deserve.”
The agreement is also part of KAMP’s broader strategy to comply with regulatory expectations in Kenya, aimed at building a unified rights management system that encompasses performers, producers, and sound recordings under one entity.
Beyond boosting earnings for KAMP’s members, many of whom have not previously received international royalties, the deal marks a critical step toward a more transparent and globally connected royalty collection system for Kenyan music creators.
