SABC 'considering it's options' after calls to boycott R Kelly’s music

In light of ongoing sexual assault claims against US musician R Kelly‚ the SABC has told TshisaLIVE it will consider several calls from fans and local musicians for its stations to stop playing the artist's music.

R Kelly once again became the talk of the town this week after the worldwide debut of docu-series Surviving R Kelly‚ which is based on decades-long allegations of sexual abuse against the star.

The series features over 50 interviews with women who allege to have been sexually and physically abused by the singer.

It sparked a massive global campaign to boycott the singer and his music under the hashtag #MuteRKelly.

Several local celebs have thrown their weight behind the boycotts with some‚ including singer Kabomo‚ calling on the country's biggest broadcaster to join the campaign.

One of the broadcaster's most popular radio stations‚ Metro FM recently asked its listeners if it should boycott the artist. An overwhelming number of Twitter users expressed their support for the boycott.

One of the broadcaster's most popular radio stations‚ Metro FM recently asked its listeners if it should boycott the artist. An overwhelming number of Twitter users expressed their support for the boycott.

SABC spokesperson Neo Momodu told TshisaLIVE the broadcaster had noted the allegations against R Kelly and was "considering its options".

"We have noted media reports and public campaigns calling on the muting and banning of R Kelly's music following allegations of sexual abuse. The SABC is considering its options and will communicate its decision should the need arise in due course‚" she said in a statement.

Meanwhile several local artists‚ including Jimmy Nevis and Generations: The Legacy actress Manaka Ranaka vowed never to play R Kelly's music again.

Jimmy‚ who used to include R Kelly's songs in his set said he would no longer endorse the US star's music.

Manaka was left fuming by the allegations and made her thoughts known in a passionate statement on social media.