Written by: Menelisi Ndwandwe

The South African Broadcasting Cooperation (SABC) leadership engaged with artists from KwaZulu-Natal, to clarify the importance of local content, at the Playhouse on Friday.

Hlaudi Motsoeneng, Chief Operations Officer, recalled how he mandated 18 radio stations to play 90% local music.

“I visited Jozini a month ago, and I witnessed great talent from young artists,” stated Motsoeneng. “I realised how we as SABC are failing the nation and failing to defend our culture. I gave a call to the radio head to instruct him that from the 12th of May, we must be the vehicle for emerging artists. This was going to be achieve by playing more local music,” said Motsoeneng.

He added that for South Africa to achieve the complete diversity, only music can be a tool.

“I want to hear a Mbaqanga song on Lesedi FM, an Afrikaans song on Ukhozi FM; that will bring the diversity we want.”

Thokozani “Tzozo” Zulu, a musician and union leader in the province, applauded the initiative by the public broadcaster.

“We are like employers to Hlaudi. What he has done makes us happy as artists. Our musicians will now die in dignity,” said Zulu.

Beside the praises, the audience raised concerns about how difficult it is to get a song to be playlisted on some radio stations.

Mama Five Roses, who claimed to be the first female Maskandi musician, said that as the older generation they are being forgotten.

“I submitted my album on Ukhozi FM in September last year but not a single song has been played since then. I took my last cent to produce the album but I don’t get rewards,” she explained.

SABC KZN Regional Head, Bonga Mpanza, promised the veteran artist that he will make sure her music is played on the SABC leading radio stations in the country.

*Picture: SABC representatives engage with KZN artists on content issues