MANY up-and-coming, inexperienced and even experienced artists are conned into signing contracts they do not understand and end up being ripped off.

In an attempt to save these artists and help them to understand the pros and cons of the industry, the Gospel Music Association (GMA) is hosting a workshop at uMzimkhulu FET College on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast tomorrow.

The GMA's Deborah Fraser said the aim of the workshop was to enlighten artists about what exactly the music industry is all about.

The popular gospel artist said the workshop would also teach artists about contracts and how to market themselves.

"We in the GMA have committed ourselves to educating artists about how the industry operates," Fraser said.

"We know that most of the youth, and in some instances, even experienced artists, become victims of this industry. That is why we want them to be mindful of the pitfalls.

"We want them to know what the South African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) is all about and how publishing and royalties work. Basically, what the music industry is all about," Fraser said.

"We don't want them to go through what we went through. It's very difficult to follow proper channels if you don't understand those channels, which is why we want to equip them well.

Fraser said said South Africa had been hard hit by piracy and this was another issue that would be discussed at the workshop, which will be run by representatives from Samro, the Arts and Culture Department and producers such as Sipho Mbhele and Nkanyiso Bhengu.

• On Sunday, a gospel concert will be held at Ixopo's Morningside Stadium. It will start at 10am.

Some of the artists who will perform are Fraser, Sfiso Ncwane, Thobekile, Kholeka, Abanqobi, Ichwane Lebhaca, Inyon'eMhlophe, Vukayibambe and Tebogo, who was formerly with the Twins.

Tickets cost R25 and will be available at the gate.