!
The public broadcaster recently announced a decision to play 90% local music on its 18 radio
stations. This comes after legendary musician Don Laka and others convinced the SABC
music committee to playlist more local South African music on the radio stations. This is a
commendable effort that deserves a special place in the books of history and South African
entertainment Industry.
This is something worth celebrating and cherishing. Embracing local content shows
patriotisms and facilitates pride of identity – culture and tradition. It would be a shame for Mega
Artists Magazine; a community local publication dedicated to make local arts accessible to a
diverse audience to not appreciate and acknowledge this historic moment. It does not makes
sense to embrace a foreign culture and reward it with our own gold and silver when we have
equally talented and hard-working artists in South Africa. We'd rather have a few local artists
with quality music on our radio on high rotation instead of an international artist play listed on
every radio station, every show, every hour, and every day. We'd rather have that because that
is what has been happening and we don't get tired of it. So claiming that we would get tired of
the same artists because South Africa does not have enough music is a lie.
Music speaks identity. It defines a nation. We have created our own original sound, even if it's a
sample; we still put our signature and South Africanise the music. We have created music and
genres like kwaito, tribal house music, marabi, isicathamiya and mbaqanga, mgqashiyo and
Isicathamiya, afro-soul-jazz-pop and our own Hip Hop sound and other alternative genres etc.
This is South African unique authentic music. We have shelved the music in some dark dusty
corner in the music library. There's no need to politicise this and try to be analytical about it. It
should have been done a long time ago with no questions asked whatsoever. There is no
debate; there is no need for panel discussions about the decision the play 90% local music.
Our music reflects the South African story and music is an important part in ensuring that. This
is for the economic benefit and development of our artists to empower them and encourage
them to compete on international level. End of story.
www.megaartists.co.za
Aug- Sep 2016
Page 19