Some artists ask whether the SABC's music quota will only flow with mainstream genres, as many celebrate the changes
|||THIS could be the break South African musicians have been waiting for.
The SABC’s decision to play 90 percent local music across its 18 stations has been met by a giant cheer from local musicians, who hope the increased airtime will translate into more royalties and record sales, and bigger gigs.
The South African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) SAMRO)is in charge of collecting royalties from the SABC and paying it out to musicians who are registered with them.According to Samro’s general manager of marketing Tiyani Maluleka, the new quota could have a big impact on musician’s earnings.
“Royalties do make up a big chunk of a musician’s earnings. If the SABC, being the biggest broadcaster, play what they say they will play, it will have a proportional impact on royalties for local musicians,” she said.
Maluleka said for a song on high rotation, the royalties could pile up to a substantial amount.
“The more local music is played, the more local composers and producers will earn.”
Composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Gavin Minter said the 90 percent local quota would only be a big win if it was used to give airtime to a range of genres.
“I think it is a positive thing for local artists, but I have mixed feelings about what content is going to be played. I hope we don’t end up with 90 percent being kwaito.”
Minter said his fear was that non-mainstream local music would be just as sidelined as it was before the change.
“If it just means they are going to regurgitate mainstream South African artists, then we are no better off, we have won nothing.”
He said indie folk, deeper jazz and lesser known rock bands would likely be among those neglected in favour of house and kwaito: “I mean, how many times can we hear a Black Coffee track?”
But Cape Town local star Jimmy Nevis disagreed: “There are very different markets around this country, everyone has a different taste to cater to. I would not say that it is going to favour one style of music over others; that happens naturally,” Nevis said.
The alternative pop artist said he loved the diversity of the South African music scene.
“When I was in the US I felt like I heard the same 10 songs over and over.
“I love that here, you put on the radio and hear so many different songs, from AKA to the Parlotones, from a Jimmy Nevis to Goodluck.”
Nevis said radio still played a giant role in giving people access to music.”.
“In South Africa where the internet and social media are only just beginning, we still rely very much on radio for music. There are many people out there who don’t have access to the internet but they can turn on the radio and hear their favourite song.”
Acoustic Element’s Jody Abel warned that while the extra radio plays would help encourage celebrity status, it would not be a magic fix for artists battling to establish themselves in a music career.
“For artists that are struggling, 80?percent comes from word-of-mouth and performing. And that’s where the next gig comes from,” Abel said.
But as Nevis said, there had never been a better time to break onto the music scene.
“For new artists, this is an incredible opportunity to step forward and showcase their best,” he said.
“Everybody has a chance right now.””
chelsea.geach@inl.co.za
Massive Respect #sabc, now this is really transformation #musicismylife #ibelieve https://t.co/BtUyA1cAur
— insta@oskidoibelieve (@OskidoIBelieve) May 12, 2016
Jonas Gwangwa was fighting this battle before we were even born. This 90% wasn't achieved overnight #SABC #DonLaka pic.twitter.com/agO2Se5rGc
— RASHID KAY™ (@rashid_kay) May 11, 2016
@MzansiReggae been sidelined for the longest time it will be great to hear more REGGAE on our stations @moflavadj #TheMorningFix #90Percent
— #FollowMe - Album (@FruityStar) May 12, 2016
Freedom at last for our artists.90% South African music across all SABC RADIO STATIONS FROM TOMORROW.THANKS HLAUDI pic.twitter.com/ksVVRxce7t
— Donald Laka (@Don_Laka) May 11, 2016
Big ups to Don Laka for Twit pic'ing his royalty invoice. with out you non of this would be possible.#LocalMusic
— Julius Sello Malema (@julias_s_malema) May 12, 2016
Never to late to rectify things/restore order... We appreciate the public broadcaster's move with the quota. Two thumbs up! #SABC 🇿🇦
— K.O (@MrCashtime) May 11, 2016
#sabc 90% local music .... it's about time. SA you won't be disappointed, we will continue to provide you with great quality music.
— Lloyd Cele (@LloydCele) May 11, 2016
Cape Argus