SABC's 'local is lekker' welcomed
South African record labels have welcomed news that local music will dominate the airwaves on all SABC radio stations.
SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng made the announcement yesterday saying after talks with music representatives they've committed to playing 90% local music across the broadcaster's 18 radio stations as of today.
Gallo Music Group's Kenny Tlale which hosts a vast catalogue of varying genres of South African music says the move is a much-needed boost for local artists.
"Today bigger shows have to have an international act to pull the crowd whereas if people are exposed to our music 90% or 100% for that matter, they can also have an impact on our entertainment as having events fully packed with our local content or local artist performing,'' he said.
Also read: SABC to play 90% local music
Founder and CEO of African Cream Music Alex Agulnik has described the move as a game-changer.
''Instead of the money going overseas for the recordings, the money will stay in South Africa. Remember every time songs get played people get paid and 90% - that means 90% of the money for the rights will stay in South Africa which is very exciting for up and coming artists and for artists who are already established,'' he said.
African Cream Music has released albums for artists including Simphiwe Dana, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and various Maskandi artists based in Durban.
(File photo)