CIAM Elections 2026 - Thando Nyameni
CAPASSO
I respectfully submit my candidacy for re-election to the Executive Committee of the International Council of Music Creators (CIAM).
Over the past two years, it has been a privilege to serve CIAM and contribute an African perspective to the global conversation on creators’ rights, fair remuneration, copyright, artificial intelligence and the future of music creation.
A particularly significant milestone during my first term was seeing the CIAM General Assembly hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2025 — the first time it was held in South Africa and only the second time on the African continent. This demonstrated what is possible when we bring CIAM closer to creators in different regions and enable their meaningful participation in the global creators’ movement.
As both a music creator and an executive working across creator advocacy, collective management, music-business education, governance and sector development, I remain committed to connecting the realities experienced by creators on the ground with international discussions about policy, rights and the future of our industry.
If entrusted with another term, I will continue working to:
- Strengthen engagement with creators across Africa and other developing markets.
- Advance creators’ rights, including copyright, intellectual property awareness and fair remuneration.
- Contribute to global dialogue on AI, policy and the future of music creation and the protection of creators.
- Build stronger bridges between creators across regions and diverse music communities.
African creators are increasingly helping to shape the sound of the world. We must equally participate in shaping the decisions that determine the future of music creators globally.
I therefore respectfully seek your support for another term on the CIAM Executive Committee, so that together we can build on the progress already made and continue strengthening the collective voice of music creators worldwide.
Thando Nyameni
Candidate for Re-election
CIAM Executive Committee
BIOGRAPHY
Thando Nyameni is a South African music executive, singer-songwriter, producer and creative-industry strategist with more than two decades of experience in the music sector.
He serves as Managing Director of KUMISA, Chairperson of Music Creators South Africa (MCSA) and a Board Member of CAPASSO, and represents Africa on the CIAM Executive Committee. His work spans executive leadership, corporate governance, music rights, intellectual property, policy, creator advocacy and creative-sector development.
Alongside his executive roles, Thando remains an active music creator and co-founder of Spotless Worx SA, connecting his practical experience as an artist with his work advocating for sustainable careers, stronger representation and a thriving creative economy for music creators.
Academically, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and has completed the coursework component of his MBA with MANCOSA, with the research component currently paused. He is presently pursuing a Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where his research explores governance, intellectual-property literacy and ethical leadership among independent music creators.