The Music Business Academy was originally established in 2008, with 4 business partners: Jonathan Shaw, Nico & Wiida Hamman, and Rob Rodell. Jonathan Shaw is the author of The South African Music Business, the first book written about the music industry in South Africa (now in its 3rd edition). In 2012, the academy was sold in its entirety to Rob Rodell, though he and Jonathan still do music business consulting together. Over 500 students have passed through the Academy’s doors since it opened in 2008, all with a better understanding of the music industry, its pitfalls, and with knowledge on how to make money in music so that it is possible to have a lifelong, sustainable, and financially rewarding career in music.