Welcome to the official online home of
AIRCO
The Association of independent record companies of South Africa (EST 2006)
Airco News feed
Introduction
AIRCO, the Association of Independent Record Companies, is a non-profit, Section 21 registered company(2006/007204/08), serving as South African national music industry association; pro-actively serving and representing the interests and development of South African independent record labels across South Africa and the world. Our membership comprises of independent record companies, across the full spectrum of music genres, from across South Africa, and ranging from small sole traders to some of the biggest independent operators in the country. AIRCO’s vision is to have independent record labels (companies) occupying the biggest market share and their music getting greater visibility at national and international platforms with sharp focus on influencing South African cultural policies to provide adequate market access and culture diversity.
AIRCO FINALLY SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT.
The Association of independent Record companies of South Africa wishes to set the record straight on the misinformation claims peddled about its Deputy President Mr Khoza. According our internal, and public available records, Mr Khoza became an official chairperson of Moshito Music Conference and Exhibition in September 2019, not 2013/14. The claim of him receiving 33 million from 2013 – 2024 from the department of Sports arts and culture, is purely impossible, illogical, disingenuous and without merits. It is nothing but an organised narrative designed to fuel hatred and divisions around his character.
Stanley’s leadership role and contribution within the music industry and the creative sector cannot be downplayed by anyone. His track record underscores his unparalleled dedication. As Chairperson of MOSHITO International Music Conference and Vice President of the Association of Independent Record Companies of South Africa (AIRCO), he has tirelessly advocated for the growth of Africa’s creative economy. He has also extended his influence internationally, in creating global access for local talents.
We advise all our members, the music industry community, the creative industries and our stake holders to not be worried about the organised malice on Mr Khoza’s integrity, we have seen this growing culture happening to any leader rising or challenging the status quo. We are attending to it in the appropriate platforms.
He is a disciplined decorated leader who’s hard work continues to break boundaries, not only locally but abroad as well. He continues to make the impossible possible in the development of artists and independent record companies in South Africa.
He is currently focused on both our local and global endevours as the organisation and will not be distructed. Proper Desktop research can prove this with one easy search. We have 9 province provincial visits, focusing on our Audio visual member capacitations and the general business of the association of Independent Record companies of South Africa.
To official legitimate media houses lets, promote publishing the truth and encouraging research in all we say or do as it has a potential of harming, innocent people with malice.
The media report is factually incorrect and completely unfounded and deliberately distorted.
Statement Issued By Airco communications.
For Media Enquiries
Direct your email to : info@airco.org.za
AIRCO ON FASHION + MUSIC AND ITS GLOBAL IMPACT.
The Sound of Style: How South African Music and Fashion Are Converging to Shape Global Culture. Inspired by Maxhosa Laduma.
In an era where cultural identity is both currency and creative power, South Africa stands at a remarkable intersection, where music and fashion are no longer parallel expressions, but a unified force shaping global narratives. For the Association of Independent Record Companies of South Africa, an institution committed to protecting and amplifying the value of audio visual works, this convergence presents a powerful opportunity, to elevate South African creativity beyond borders while ensuring that its creators are rightfully recognized and rewarded.
A defining moment in this cultural fusion was witnessed through Maxhosa Africa, led by visionary designer Laduma Ngxokolo, whose showcase at Paris Fashion Week reaffirmed South Africa’s place on the global creative stage. More than just garments, Maxhosa’s work is storytelling, woven with heritage, rhythm, and identity. What stood out was not only the visual brilliance, but the seamless integration of sound and style, music that carried the spirit of the land, complementing garments rooted in culture.
This is where the power lies.
South African music, whether it’s Amapiano, Afro house, Maskandi, Hip Hop, or Gospel, carries a distinct sonic fingerprint. When fused with fashion, it transforms from entertainment into a multi sensory cultural export. Runways become stages, garments become narratives, and music becomes the heartbeat that gives fashion its emotional depth.
For AIRCOSA, this fusion is not just artistic, it is economic and strategic.
By aligning music with fashion, South African creators unlock new revenue streams across sync licensing, international showcases, digital platforms, and brand collaborations. Every runway show featuring local music becomes an opportunity for royalty collection, rights management, and global exposure. Every fashion film, campaign, or presentation that incorporates South African sound contributes to a broader ecosystem where intellectual property is not only protected, but monetized.
More importantly, this synergy amplifies national identity.
The future lies in intentional partnerships between designers, musicians, producers, and rights organizations. It lies in scoring every runway with local sound. In ensuring every global showcase carries a South African signature, not just visually, but sonically.
READ MORE ON AIRCO FACEBOOK PAGE.
For Media Enquiries
Direct your email to : info@airco.org.za
A BALANCED PERSPECTIVE ON AI MUSIC,
AIRCOSA’s Position on Innovation, Rights, and Responsibility
The Association of Independent Record Companies of South Africa recognizes that Artificial Intelligence, AI, is rapidly reshaping the global music landscape. As both a catalyst for innovation and a source of disruption, AI presents a dual reality, one filled with opportunity, yet equally defined by complex legal, ethical, and economic challenges.
The integration of AI into music creation marks a significant paradigm shift. From composition and production to mastering and distribution, AI powered tools are enabling creators to work faster, experiment more freely, and access capabilities that were once limited to high resource environments. Globally, the AI music market is projected to exceed $3 billion by 2028, with approximately 35 percent of creators already incorporating AI into their workflows. This signals a clear and irreversible shift in how music is created and consumed.
For independent creators and labels, particularly within South Africa, this evolution offers meaningful advantages. AI can lower barriers to entry, democratize production, and empower emerging talent to compete on a global scale. It allows for rapid prototyping of ideas, enhanced sound design, and new forms of musical expression that were previously unimaginable. In this regard, AI is not the enemy of creativity, it is a tool that, when used responsibly, can amplify it. However, this rapid adoption also raises critical concerns.
AIRCOSA has observed a growing number of international legal disputes surrounding AI generated music. These cases often center on copyright infringement, unauthorized use of existing works, and the replication of artist voices and styles without consent. Such developments highlight a fundamental tension, the balance between technological advancement and the protection of intellectual property. For an industry built on ownership, rights, and royalties, this is not a minor issue.
AI systems are often trained on vast datasets that include copyrighted music, sometimes without clear authorization from rights holders. This raises serious questions about fair compensation, attribution, and the long term sustainability of creative careers. If left unchecked, the misuse of AI could undermine the very economic structures that support artists, producers, and independent record companies.
AIRCOSA therefore urges its members to approach AI with both openness and caution.
READ MORE ON AIRCOSA facebook Page.
For Media Enquiries
Direct your email to : info@airco.org.za
AIRCO EMBARKS ON ITS PROVINCIAL VISITS
The Association of Independent Record Companies (Airco) is currently hosting its provincial engagements focused on members update, member upskilling and development in running successful independent labels. The visits also allows members to be serviced physical in their respective areas and in the preferred home languages.
The tour includes stake holders and some of the most relevant speakers in the music industry. We urge all independent labels, artists, and media to not miss these visits, more info will be shared on all our social platforms, as we look into how together we can transform the industry and make it greater again.
This ongoing culture by Airco SA allows members to be updated accordingly about their organisation’s growth, achievements, challenges and get to contribute on the organisational direction as always.
– key to the matters of interest identified so far is the decline or lack of music sales, which allowed members to take care of their well-being and families from their works.
– The lack of mechanisms to cab (online music piracy ) which allows people to circulate music for free.
– lack of direct support for independent record companies as businesses that contributes to the GDP.
– The lack of platforms or bookings for legends so that they able to take care of them self.
– and the impact of relying on streaming platforms and live performances as things stands.
The announcements of all the recommendations made by all members will be shared on an official report that is being compiled, please check your emails and participate on the shared survey. The report will be made public once the committee is done, the members have gone through it and it is officially adopted.
To register to attend the provincial visits, please feel free to send us an email request to info@airco.org.za / lydiah@airco.org.za
Your email must state your province and area where you are based. We would like to also know what language you speak, so that our correspondence is addressed accordingly. we pride our self in promoting all proudly south african languages in our events and correspondences. Just another way we trying to make learning simpler, better and faster.
Statement Issued By Airco communications.
info@airco.org.za / 0114824779
For Media Enquiries
Direct your email to : info@airco.org.za
What AIRCO
Can Do For You?
Audio Visual Royalty Collection
We are a collective management organisation that collect Audio Visual Royalties.
Global Member Advocacy
We provide representation at national and global level on behalf of our members.
Workshops
We facilitate skills capacity development programs across the 9 provinces of our country and represent South Africa globally, in knowledge exchange forums.
ISRC Codes
With Regard to International Standard Recording Codes (ISRC) you can contact our office for assistance and full details will be uploaded soon.
Awards
On behalf of our members, we partner and support a number of awards in the music industry and we will unvail our plans going forward soon.
Certification
We certify album sales status on behalf of independent labels and their artists.
Background About
AIRCO
AIRCO, the Association of Independent Record Companies, is a non-profit, Section 21 registered company(2006/007204/08), serving as South African national music industry association; pro-actively serving and representing the interests and development of South African independent record labels across South Africa and the world. Our membership comprises of independent record companies, across the full spectrum of music genres, from across South Africa, and ranging from small sole traders to some of the biggest independent operators in the country. AIRCO‘s vision is to have independent record labels (companies) occupying the biggest market share and their music getting greater visibility at national and international platforms with sharp focus on influencing South African cultural policies to provide adequate market access and culture diversity. Making The industry we wanna see.
Giving your music business a
fresh start
Airco aims to continue fostering development of the sector for indies by: Identifying and nurturing music talent through capacity building programs, music subsidy, the academic and professional development of music smme’s, practitioners, managers and support practitioners in the value chain.
Our goal is fostering mentorship and coachings as ways of improving the quality of music expression and SMME support entering the music industry value chain, while allowing already exposed labels to inspire emerging ones. We want to create opportunities for the transfer of knowledge and experience through regional and International exchanges.
Building capacity and expertise in the music fraternity, through, entrepreneurial, management, and technical development as well as copyright protection Growing South Africa’s wealth as measured by its great works of music expression.
