SABC’s praises sung
New 90% local music drive hits right note
PORT Elizabeth artists and residents were thrilled yesterday with the first day of SABC radio stations’ 90% local music drive. But there were a few grumbles about how the 18 radio stations would last the scheduled three-month drive.
The company announced on Wednesday that its radio stations would start playing 90% local music from yesterday.
Spoken word artist Lelethu “Poeticsoul” Mahambehlala, 34, said the plan was exciting and hoped it would last more than a month.
“A lot of people will get the opportunity for their music to be heard and artists will get royalties. “I am quite positive.” Gospel artist Bulelani Koyo, 33, said she hoped this would give musicians an international platform.
“We need to produce quality music and come up with our own compositions so that SABC can continue with this initiative. We cannot still be having artists singing other people’s songs,” he said.
Songwriter and artist Mxolisi “MXO” Lokwe, 38, said: “This is the real definition of transformation. Music is a profession and we need stability – this is a good start.”
Hip hop award winner and activist Yahkeem Ben Israel, 33, said the 90% local music drive would open up more space for content.
“This is good for independent artists. Now we will all get a chance to have our music played on air,” he said.
Music manager Thandile Petshwa, 40, said he had mixed feelings about the 90% rule.
“This is not a policy but a pilot. For the past year SABC has been rejecting our music. They will end up repeating the same music.
“It would have been better if the industry was prepared. However, it is a step in the right direction,” he said.
MetroFM, which normally plays international music, had songs from Bongo Maffin and Tshepo “Howza” Mosese on their playlist.
Umhlobo Wenene FM played mainly music from the ’80s and ’90s.
Port Elizabeth residents also supported the initiative.
Jeanette Botha, 55, of Forest Hill, said the decision would boost the South African music market.
“I love listening to our music. Hopefully this is going to bring out more of our artists.”
Ricardo Hlebeya, 21, of Central, said artists would surely be grateful for the platform. “Part of me is a little sceptical though as I feel that our music’s quality is not yet at the level of our international counterparts.”
Eric de Kock, 50, of Bethelsdorp, said he felt a sense of pride when he first heard the news yesterday.
“My favourite genres are Afrikaans and Gospel music but I don’t feel enough of it is being played. Hopefully this move will change that.”
The decision to introduce the local music quota will see more local artists profit.
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said there would be no major cost implications for the broadcaster.
“There is no difference in cost between playing local and international music on our radio stations,” he said.
“The only thing that will change is more money can now be paid to local artists because we will be playing more of their music.”
Kganyago said the new policy would not change any of the current formats at radio stations under the broadcaster‚ but would require music selectors to play local music where international music was played.
“We are not asking them to do anything different or to play genres they wouldn’t normally play. Instead we are saying: ‘Instead of playing an international pop song‚ play a local pop song. Instead of playing an international R’n’B song‚ play a local one’.”
