Bakshi has been in charge of BMI’s London office for 12 years. In this role, he oversees the outreach and relationship management among the international songwriting and publishing community.

Some of the most well-known events include the BMI London Awards, BMI Song Camps at Abbey Road Studios as well as the BMI Song Camps in the Caribbean. From BMI's point of view, the talent generated from South Africa is second to none. One only needs to look at the successful songwriters and performers such as Tamara Day, Karen Zoid, RJ Benjamin, Zyon, Kwesta as well as AKA.

What helps sustain the careers and international crossover appeal is that all these entertainers write their own songs. Furthermore, they collaborate with other artists, producers and songwriters from the USA, Europe, Asia, South America as well as Australia. The most successful South Africa artists sign to record and publishing companies. For some artists, this can guarantee a lucrative career in the music industry.

However, for others, this may not always be the correct decision. For example, if these songwriters and artists do not receive key exposure and attention from their labels and publisher, then their career may go into a state of limbo. Therefore, this is an excellent opportunity for South African, European as well as North American labels and publishers to sign, develop, market and sell local artists.

The key hubs for the music business are London, New York, Nashville, Los Angeles as well as Atlanta. In Bakshi’s opinion, Cape Town falls into this category as an incubator city for rising stars.

BMI has also just announced it’s highest revenues and royalty distributions in its 76-year history. BMI achieved over $1-billion in revenues, and distributed a record-breaking $931-million to the songwriters, composers and publishers BMI represents. This is a 6% increase over last year.

These results represent the most public performance revenue and royalty distributions by any music rights organisation in the world. The investment opportunities are ever present because there is a steady stream of genuine raw talent emerging from South Africa that needs to be nurtured, developed and exposed to the world.

The key for potential growth is to continue to develop the music business industry in South Africa. The copyright laws are in place and have enforcement teeth, so there is no reason why a professional music industry with structure cannot flourish and succeed. One just needs to look at the passing of the 90% quota of South African music on radio. That alone should encourage international songwriters to co-write hit songs with South African artists and songwriters. 

Local and international partnerships and alliances should be set up to launch the next generation of South African rising stars. This may be done vis-à-vis telco's, TV/Cable operators, local and international brands, as well as performing rights organisations.

BMI is fully committed to the development and monetisation of South African talent and investing in their music from a performing rights and publishing perspective is key to the growth in this sector. This can be attained thorough songwriter and artist development deals as well as song camps, showcases as well as facilitating international songwriter collaborations.

BMIfirmly believes that South African music is generating amazing talent, which if developed properly will see something of a bonanza in the International music/entertainment/performing arts sector.

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