Local musicians are hopeful that the SABC’s 90% local content policy will bring about change in the industry.
Port Elizabeth-based rapper Yahkeem Israel said the policy has been long overdue and would bring relief to musicians, especially independent artists.
“This opens up space for us to be able to get a chance to be featured on major stations.”
Israel said he had noticed that Umhlobo Wenene FM had pulled out some of his old singles that he had submitted to the station over the years.
“Umhlobo Wenene is currently the leading station when it comes to supporting local artists and I hope more will open their doors for us,” he said.
Jazz singer Dumza Maswana, who released his single Nomthandazo earlier this year, also said Umhlobo Wenene has gone the extra mile for him.
He said he had submitted his song to Metro FM in March but his song has never been played on the station.
However, last week things changed, and Metro FM presenter Bonang Matheba reached out to Maswana and asked him to
e-mail her his song.
“Hopefully we will see a change now because people are requesting my song on radio. Others have been pushing for Metro FM to play my music via Twitter,” he said.
Israel echoed Maswana’s sentiments, saying that the public should help independent artists get airplay.
“We need the public to request our songs. Submitting music electronically does not automatically mean they will play your music.
“The public must put pressure on compilers or presenters via social media,” he said.
While the news has been well received, there are some people who are not too happy about the change.
Facebook user Sechaba Ndlovu said the 90% local policy was not a smart move.
“It’s me and my CDs. Hopefully there won’t be a law to take our music to our homes.”
Shepherd Ntuane said the quota had its advantages and disadvantages.
“International artists will benefit more as people will purchase their CDs because their music won’t be played on radio as often.”
Tshepo Motsema said the change was radio suicide.
“There is nothing wrong with playing local content, but why dictate how much of it should be played? SABC is lucky that the majority of the black people don’t have access to good internet. Otherwise they would not even exist,” he said.
With some complaining about the 90% policy, Eastern Cape-based Algoa FM could soon gain new followers.
Algoa FM operations director Alfie Jay said new regulations promulgated in March this year would see them playing up to 35% local content over the next 16 months.
“This, however, will not be sprung on our listeners but rather eased in over the period,” Jay said.
SABC CEO Hlaudi Motsoeneng said the local content quota was here to stay. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Musos welcome 90% local boost
Port Elizabeth-based rapper Yahkeem Israel said the policy has been long overdue and would bring relief to musicians, especially independent artists.
“This opens up space for us to be able to get a chance to be featured on major stations.”
Israel said he had noticed that Umhlobo Wenene FM had pulled out some of his old singles that he had submitted to the station over the years.
“Umhlobo Wenene is currently the leading station when it comes to supporting local artists and I hope more will open their doors for us,” he said.
Jazz singer Dumza Maswana, who released his single Nomthandazo earlier this year, also said Umhlobo Wenene has gone the extra mile for him.
He said he had submitted his song to Metro FM in March but his song has never been played on the station.
However, last week things changed, and Metro FM presenter Bonang Matheba reached out to Maswana and asked him to
e-mail her his song.
“Hopefully we will see a change now because people are requesting my song on radio. Others have been pushing for Metro FM to play my music via Twitter,” he said.
Israel echoed Maswana’s sentiments, saying that the public should help independent artists get airplay.
“We need the public to request our songs. Submitting music electronically does not automatically mean they will play your music.
“The public must put pressure on compilers or presenters via social media,” he said.
While the news has been well received, there are some people who are not too happy about the change.
Facebook user Sechaba Ndlovu said the 90% local policy was not a smart move.
“It’s me and my CDs. Hopefully there won’t be a law to take our music to our homes.”
Shepherd Ntuane said the quota had its advantages and disadvantages.
“International artists will benefit more as people will purchase their CDs because their music won’t be played on radio as often.”
Tshepo Motsema said the change was radio suicide.
“There is nothing wrong with playing local content, but why dictate how much of it should be played? SABC is lucky that the majority of the black people don’t have access to good internet. Otherwise they would not even exist,” he said.
With some complaining about the 90% policy, Eastern Cape-based Algoa FM could soon gain new followers.
Algoa FM operations director Alfie Jay said new regulations promulgated in March this year would see them playing up to 35% local content over the next 16 months.
“This, however, will not be sprung on our listeners but rather eased in over the period,” Jay said.
SABC CEO Hlaudi Motsoeneng said the local content quota was here to stay. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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