Hlaudi Motsoeneng: SABC to play 90% local music on radio

In addition the SABC will play more music from legends in the industry as well as up and coming artists.

The SABC’s radio stations playing 90% local music is a good idea, according to Gareth Cliff.

The undisputed kings of South African a cappella, Ladysmith Black Mambazo have released more than 50 albums and accumulated four Grammy awards in their illustrious history.

Much of South Africa’s airwaves are taken up by American “RnB” and pop artists such as Maria Carey, who completed a tour of the country last week.

The broadcaster announced on Wednesday that it had adopted the decision in a bid to ensure that more local content reflecting the diversity of South African cultures is prioritised. In order that the rest of the world doesn’t miss out, Newsweek recommends five South African musicians worth listening to.

“Today bigger shows have to have an global 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.

“Sometimes you find that as musicians our work is more recognised and valued overseas than here at home”.

“The SABC looks forward to receiving contributions from all over the country”.

Local artists have long called for the percentage of South African music on a community or public radio station’s playlist to be increased.

Cliff, a former 5FM DJ with an extensive knowledge of radio broadcasting in South Africa, said the SABC is a public broadcaster and has a mandate to “put the country first, support local music, and promote local content”.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomed the decision but said they would have liked to see the quota extended to include television and film arts.

“This is proof of the broadcaster’s efforts to build social cohesion”, it said a statement.

“We believe there is enough South African music (to fill the airtime) because it is world-class music”, SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago told AFP.

There is no limit to the amount of foreign music commercial stations play.