Music Business Lab
Love the Music. Learn the Business. Powering Creators in Africa
Africa’s music industry needs more than the incredible talent we already have. Join us in building the next generation of artist managers, independent record labels and the wider music industry services that help shape a stronger, more sustainable creative economy.
Music Business Lab
Creating the next generation of artist managers artist managers
Join us in creating the next generation of artist managers, independent record labels and industry services that will enable the growth and sustainability of our unique pan-African creative economy
What is MBL?
Music Business Lab is Africa’s leading music business education platform and first industry endorsed music business training provider – in partnership with the University of Pretoria – helping close the gap in industry knowledge, skills development and business readiness. Founded by Ninel Musson, MBL equips artists, managers, producers, publishers, booking agents, entrepreneurs and emerging record label founders with practical knowledge, industry exposure and business tools to build sustainable careers and enterprises in the African music ecosystem.
We teach the music business playbook.
Beth Arendse
As the founder- and CEO of the one-of-a-kind South African Creative Industries Incubator (SACII), Beth Arendse has been working with and mentoring South African creative entrepreneurs for almost a decade. To date she has helped develop more than 200 SMME’s and trained over 150 township-based entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on the creative industries and the digital economy.
Beth’s township-based creative hub provides business incubation, acceleration and support, technical skills training, and production facilities and equipment to local entrepreneurs. SACII has partnered extensively with both government and the private sector to enable SMME sustainability and market access in the creative economy.
Ninel Musson
As one of the only female founders of an Independent Music Record Label and Management Agency to some of the most iconic artists in South Africa, Ninel Musson has been dedicated to the development of the culture and creative industry in Africa for over a decade.
Ninel is best known for having transformed Vth Season into one of the most notable labels in Southern Africa, catapulting the successful careers of talented artists namely Ami Faku, Tresor and iconic Hip Hop superstar, the late AKA. Ninel has also invested in more than 100 artists and won multiple local and international awards including South African Music Awards (SAMAs), Metro FM Awards, Amapiano Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), All Africa Music Awards, Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).
The Bootcamp
MBL Bootcamp is a progressive, first-of-its-kind venture sprint for emerging music entrepreneurs and creative businesses, designed to help participants build stronger, more sustainable ventures. Through mentorship, expert-led sessions, coaching, industry training, technical resources and collaborative problem-solving around real business challenges, the programme helps strengthen business foundations and prepare participants for growth.
The hybrid programme combines online and in-person sessions in Gauteng, including:
- Industry mentorship
- Sector-specific music business training
- Business and personal coaching
- Access to tools, resources and workspace support
- Pathways to market and post-programme opportunity
Industry Endorsed &
Industry-endorsed courses, delivered in partnership with the University of Pretoria, with flagship learning in Music Rights Management and Publishing.
Flexible online and on-demand learning designed for scale across the continent, covering topics such as the global music business, the creative gig economy and AI for creatives.
MBL also creates room for continued professional development across a changing music industry.
Our Impact
In just two years, MBL has delivered measurable impact across Africa’s music ecosystem, supporting livelihoods, enterprise development and stronger industry participation.
From graduates and emerging artists to micro-enterprises and growing music businesses, MBL is helping build stronger careers, ventures and collaborative networks across the continent.
Impact stats
- ~2,400 livelihoods impacted
- 1,000+ graduates
- 200+ micro-enterprises launched by graduates
- 800+ emerging creatives and entrepreneurs
- 7 countries reached and growing
Our network includes record labels, publishers, artist managers, booking agents, music tech players, media specialists and creative entrepreneurs.
SDG-Aligned Impact
Our work advances SDG 4, SDG 5 and SDG 8 through quality education, stronger participation and sustainable work in music.
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In The Words of Our Alumni
The value of MBL is not only in what is taught, but in what participants are able to build with it.
Testimonial 1
“MBL Bootcamp gave me the tools to turn my passion into a sustainable business. I went from struggling freelancer to running a workable artist management company.”
Testimonial 2
“The network I built at MBL has been invaluable. I’ve collaborated with fellow graduates on multiple projects, and we continue to support each other’s growth.”
MBL’s alumni network is designed for continued collaboration.
We work with leading partners across industry, academia, brand and venture development to keep its programmes credible, relevant and connected to real opportunities.
This partnership model helps strengthen the broader music ecosystem through collaboration rather than isolated learning.
Applied, Not Just Theoretical
MBL stands apart not only because of what it offers, but because of how the model works.
Applied, Not Theoretical
Every programme is rooted in real-world business challenges, expert-led teaching and practical outcomes participants can use immediately.
Circular Ecosystem Model
Through the MBL Forward Fellowship, top graduates return as paid junior faculty, bringing lived experience back into the learning journey – a sustainable “Each One, Teach One” model.
Industry-Validated
MBL’s curriculum is shaped by professionals from labels, publishers and collective management organisations, with accredited learning through the University of Pretoria.
The Network Effect
MBL alumni continue to collaborate across projects and disciplines, helping create a more connected and self-sustaining music economy.
Bootcamp 2023
From hundreds of keen applications, 11 of the most promising, high potential emerging music entrepreneurs were invited to participate in a one of kind music business incubator hosted at the iconic Constitution Hill, Johannesburg in 2023.
Each entrepreneur began the programme with a blurry vision on how to build their music business but fueled by their passion and ambition, and after a few high-impact weeks with MBL, each young person was transformed into a distinctive, niche business owner with an individualised growth plan. The programme included a series of workshops and masterclasses and concluded with a graduation celebrating the creation of 11 new small businesses!
The businesses included 4 professional artist management agencies, 2 independent record labels and new business services such as a wellness and mental health initiative, artist pipeline programme, pan-African booking agency, a township artist tour and a digital music publication. They are already collaborating with each other and strengthening the music industry ecosystem.
After an incredibly successful pilot in 2023, we’ve created an even bigger program for 2024 for our Gauteng based music business pioneers
The 3-month intensive music business course features masterclasses from leading figures in SA music industry, one-on-one mentorship and concludes with an opportunity to pitch your business to a panel of investors.
This year’s course runs from June – August 2024.
Keep an eye on our socials for registration details!
Music Publishing
The Music Business Lab in partnership with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) have launched a Music Publishing programme certified by the University of Pretoria.
SAMRO members nationwide will be trained by expert facilitators over 6 weeks starting this May 2024.
Applications are now open until 26 April 2024.
For more information and to register please check your SAMRO mails!
The Bootcamp
MBL Bootcamp is a progressive, first-of-its-kind venture sprint for emerging music entrepreneurs and creative businesses, designed to help participants build stronger, more sustainable ventures. Through mentorship, expert-led sessions, coaching, industry training, technical resources and collaborative problem-solving around real business challenges, the programme helps strengthen business foundations and prepare participants for growth.
The hybrid programme combines online and in-person sessions in Gauteng, including:
- Industry mentorship
- Sector-specific music business training
- Business and personal coaching
- Access to tools, resources and workspace support
- Pathways to market and post-programme opportunity
Hosted by Benza and Ninel, the Symposium titled “Investing in African Culture & Music for the World” will be held on Africa Day, 25 May 2024.
The symposium will spotlight the contribution of African music artists, publishers and labels that are raising the profile of African culture across the globe.
Book your tickets now and secure your spot at this prestigious networking event
Get in touch
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