Should South African Music Command The World Cup?
By Quibell Ramantswana , 17 Mar 2010 | (6) Comments
2010 FIFA World Cup In South AfricaSouth Africa has been given the opportunity to expose its own culture; a way of living, a way of socializing, our hospitality towards visitors, diversity, and music…We couldn’t ask for a better stage than the World Cup. Football’s famous ‘2010′ slogan has become more popular amongst South Africans than Rus Dumisane singing “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrica!”
It’s no longer confidential how or what the world thinks of Africa - one can be of the opinion that the world has always thought less of Africa. Indeed, African stories that make it into the world media are mostly negative - I wouldn’t be surprised if we scooped a Grammy or Oscar if that was the case.
Mzansi has had a massive role in winching up the world’s perception of the African continent. We longed for the World to pay attention to the beauty, diversity and uniqueness of South Africa, and one could easily be tempted to say “South Africa Is One World in One Country!”
It is not too late to change the world’s perspective - the future is still dazzling! In Madiba’s words: “THE FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS!”
“…Mzansi music can do enough to conquer the world.”
Although South Africa is hosting a World Cup in the name of soccer - betting for Bafana Bafana to win the World Cup seems rather an over-ambitious dream. But Dr Irvin Khoza once said to me: “If you can defeat apartheid, everything is possible!”
And musically I feel more comfortable using his quote, considering the standard and quality that comes from South African.
South African musicians are working extremely hard to produce such a phenomenal sound that really makes us converse proudly. Their talent is our voice!
There is no doubt in my mind that Mzansi music can do enough to conquer the world. With a massive response from international musicians, I am not surprised to learn that there are more online radio stations abroad that play South African music than I could have imagined.
But what got me thinking was that only if South African local radio stations could do more to promote Mzansi music we can finish off this international music industry!
There is nothing wrong with playing international songs but my question to radio producers is this: are they giving local talent more air play than international artists? I have to ask…
The radio stations have an enormous role to play in this World Cup. South African music and its makers are the beneficiaries; if more of them snatch international deals - there is always a possibility.
For tourists, South Africa has become one of the world’s attractive places to travel to. Tourists do listen to the local radio stations, they do watch local television; travellers can be anyone from international record label owners, producers, musicians as well as ordinary visitors! These holidaymakers are only interested in hearing good music - it fascinates them more than knowing how huge the artist is in their country.
My evidence is the Mujava story - Township Funk was seen on the local TV channel, SABC 1, in South Africa, and some producer traced the track/owner - and the next thing the World was dancing to the tune. Do you remember the buzz of South Africans when the track was rocking ‘BBC Radio One’ and some big British radio stations? It was madness! And then later followed by a MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Award nomination.
“Let’s face it, this track was not huge in South Africa, nor is Mujava; he is not the biggest local House-guru in the country.”
Let’s face it, this track was not huge in South Africa, nor is Mujava; he is not the biggest local House-guru in the country. This only proves that anybody has a chance to be signed by a top record label working globally.
I also understand that the playlist policy of any radio station has to be followed, taking that into consideration, artists need to be educated publicly on how songs make it to the playlist, or this information could be made available on the radio stations website. Is this really supposed to be kept secret from the public? I do feel for upcoming artists, who pay Payola to get their music played on the radio. But let me rather not abuse my freedom of speech, pretend I didn’t mention that!
I was watching a programme about ‘Radio One‘ the other week. The tv programme was all about broadcasting to the public and how songs like ‘Township Funk’ make it to their playlist. I saw that as a positive education which deserves to be made known by every radio station in South Africa.
This information might be valuable for those upcoming artists who would love to follow the same process. Some artists haven’t got the faintest clue about where to begin in terms of the hassle of knocking at the relevant doors which may eventually get them onto the radio playlist. Upcoming artists need to be aware of this!
On a positive note - admittedly, more South African musicians are getting booked internationally, which is a positive sign that good things are still to come. In few years time, more artists will be blazing across the international market and the rest of the country will be celebrating the success of South African music.
The doors are now open, so let’s use the advantage of the World Cup.
World Cup boost:
I repeat; this is the only sporting event which is beyond soccer itself and the nation is hoping to achieve more during this one time opportunity. Musically, we need to impress them by showing how good South African music sounds like; let’s give them something to talk about when they return. It would be amazing to hear them saying ‘South African music is great’ when they return to their native countries.
My aspiration during the World Cup is for our local radio station to bombard the world with local South African music - because really, this is all about our pride; real South African pride!
…South African Music Should Dominate The World Cup!
I second that a million times. Would love SA music to be the heart and soul of every radio station in SAfor reasons such as promotin purposes, its good music and there is variety. I live in the UK and believe you me on the radio station all I hear is UK artists, sometimes American but not so much and not even one African artist. Now what does that say???????mmmmm I don’t see it fair to local SA artists’ or the people of SA why they should be denied exposure to their own kind. Why do we want to deprive tourists of hearing the heart and soul of SA through music?????
Uyazi, you have raised a very relevant issue, I would really like to know how radio stations in SA make there music policy and what artist should do to get their music on the playlist? Surely artists should be paying, infact there should be paid for the music playing.
I donot think any one pays for our local radio stations to play western/american music. The industry needs a clean up.
Was I was looking through the SAMA list about 60% of the songs and artist where local I had never so much as hear of. The SA Music Industry needs to change.
*CORRECTIONS
surely artist should NOT be paying
Hell Yeah!! South African Music Artist shud Perfom At the World Cup Music Concert in Soweto, we are by da Way in Africa
Yes!i agree because i believe you should always present whats truly you
S.A. is all about corruption. cause those selecting artists, will do what they alwayz do, cheating, not selecting because you desrve, but is who you know, and what are they going to gain in return, so just forget it. what’s a use?