People in the music industry may be aware of the powerful role of independent record labels, but the general public is usually not. They might well know who their favourite artists are or what their best song is, but they’re not aware of who is bringing them the product—and it’s often independent record labels. 

Independent record labels in South Africa represent about three hundred well-known South African artists including top names such as Shwi Nom'thekala, Hugh Masekela, Tsepo Tshola, Busi Mhlongo, Zwai Bala, Zola, Pitch Black Afro, DJ Ready D, Lundi, Kabelo, The Mahotella Queens and many others.

In order to represent the interests of these artists and their respective record companies, AIRCO (The Association of Independent Record Companies) was formed in 2006. The specific vision of the organisation is to grow the market share of independent record companies, improve the visibility of independent music and artists, and promote key issues such as market access and cultural diversity in all national, regional and international policies.

AIRCO currently has over one hundred members and in the short time since its inception, AIRCO has been recognised as the South African representative ‘Indie’ body by worldwide coalitions of independent record companies such as IMPALA (Europe), AIM (United Kingdom), A2IM (America), and AIR (Australia) among others.

Furthermore, AIRCO is recognised as the legitimate independents’ industry body by the DAC (Department of Arts and Culture), RISA (The Recording Industry of South Africa), SAMRO (South African Musicians Rights Organisation), SARRAL (South African Recording Rights Association, NORM (National Organisation of Reproduction Rights in Music in Southern Africa) and MOSHITO .

AIRCO is committed to working towards specific and concrete goals that include the following:

1. To develop and promote professionalism amongst independent record companies
2. To empower members through skills development and other training initiatives.
3. To assist in the exploitation of copyrights created and owned by South African independent record companies.
4. To promote mutual understanding and co-operation among independent record companies and other stakeholders at all levels of the music industry
5. To be a force for transformation of the South African music industry and to encourage and facilitate cultural expression through South African music at local, national and international levels.
6. To formalise partnerships and associations with international independent associations To represent its member’s interest in government and legislative issues pertaining to the music industry.

In order to achieve these specific goals AIRCO has embarked on a number of projects. For instance, AIRCO’s broadcast committee has been mandated to analyse the association’s objectives. They will also formulate strategic plans for initiating and maintaining effective relationships with broadcasters and other users of material owned or controlled by our members. 

The broadcast committee’s primary focus initially will be to negotiate collective licence agreements with broadcasters and other users for the rights to use AIRCO members’ videos and to the public performance, diffusion and broadcasting of AIRCO members’ repertoire. The industry refers to the latter right as “needletime”

This needletime issue is of critical importance to independent artists, and refers to the royalty payable to artists and record companies based on airplay and broadcast of the particular recorded version of a song. Presently, neither performing artists nor record companies are eligible for this royalty, which has meant a significant loss of income to those in the music industry over the years.

Furthermore, AIRCO will seek an official mandate to collect Needletime and video licensing income on its members’ behalf. AIRCO will also encourage members in the various provinces to elect regional representatives to serve on the national body.

Another major initiative of AIRCO is Anti-Piracy and the AIRCO Anti Piracy sub-committee chaired by Eugene Mthethwa and assisted by Harvey Roberts and Tebogo Sithathu. It has, in its short existence, become acutely aware of the challenges that present themselves when trying to prevent the scourge of piracy in South Africa. The sub-committee will continue to engage with the various stake-holders in this initiative to forge a unified movement within the industry.

AIRCO is strongly committed to local music and to assisting artists and labels in the exploration of various marketing and promotional opportunities in order to develop the industry further. From comprehensive models of airplay monitoring to ensuring interviews and coverage for local artists, AIRCO plans to essentially contribute to the development of South African music and artists.

This year, AIRCO is working on a number of key projects to achieve this vision and is excited to announce a series of free nationwide workshops aimed at all independent record labels. Kicking off on Johannesburg, these workshops are open to AIRCO members and also to potential new members.  According to Antos Stella, the Chair of the Marketing and Membership sub-committee, “The aim of the workshops is to bring both pledged members and new members up to date on what’s happening both locally and internationally in AIRCO. A lot of work has been taking place behind the scenes. These workshops will be the first of many.”

The first workshop is in Johannesburg on 27th March 2007 at the Bassline in Newtown from 10am -2pm.  The Cape Town workshop is on 30th March 2007 (Southern Sun Hotel ).
Watch the press for details of other dates around the country.     

For information on AIRCO or the workshops, please contact  Lara Preston:

(011) 447 8283  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it