What Midrand artists think of the 90 % local music quota

In a move that has been much criticised by many South Africans, the SABC’s chief executive officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng recently announced that SABC radio stations would now play 90 percent local music.

This decision has, however, given artists across the country a bit of hope, with Midrand artists celebrating the move.

Midrand Reporter spoke to some of the artists who have been featured in this paper and others who live in Midrand and they had this to say …

Musician Byron Khumalo said, “I think the SABC has made a great move because when the legendary Don Laka started the campaign, I was one of the guys he invited to those platforms and supported it. As an artist, this decision makes me want to hone my skills even more, to make sure that I give my very best to the music audience.”

Musician Wynand Monyeseala added, “I applaud SABC’s decision, now we will see talent from established and upcoming local artists in its splendour. It is about time South African artists got the opportunity to be well recognised in their home country.”

Artist manager Sabelo Nkosi said, “Western music has globally dominated the music industry for a long time, but the 90 percent local music on all SABC stations is a great initiative for local artists and South African culture. It is an opportunity for Mzansi musicians to attract more fans. Music and culture go hand in hand, most importantly Mzansi’s music culture will now have a chance to be celebrated, making people support local artists.”

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Musician Alexandra May said, “This is a good initiative, especially for upcoming artists like us, we will get an opportunity to grow.”

Mjokes, one of the directors of Kalawa Jazzmee Records concluded, “The decision taken by SABC should have been taken years ago. I have struggled as an artist to get my music played on radio stations for years. This is a turning point in South Africa’s music industry.”