South Africa’s national broadcaster SABC has brought in a new quota system, requiring 90% of the music played on its 18 radio stations to be home-grown.
SABC says the move, which has been hailed by local musicians after years of campaigning, will promote South African culture and heritage. There will be a special focus on jazz, kwaito (local house-style dance music), and gospel music, SABC says. There is no limit to the amount of foreign music commercial stations play.The corporation’s television station will use local music fillers between programmes.
“We believe that is important for the people of South Africa to listen to the music that is produced for them by the musicians in South Africa,” SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said, explaining the decision.
Jazz musician Don Laka, one of the leaders of the quota campaign, celebrated on his Facebook page, thanking SABC boss Hlaudi Motsoeneng.
“Today I am proud to be South African. This man Hlaudi made me share a tear for the first time in many years… Freedom at last!”
Local hip-hop star Slikour described it as the music industry’s version of “Nelson Mandela coming out of jail”.
The governing African National Congress also welcomed the decision, saying it will empower local artists and help spread African culture at home and throughout the world.
South African’s have welcomed the change, here are some posts on tweeter
Supporting local is not charity folks. Our good stuff is as good as any international music out there #90%#LocalMusic #Sabc
— Danny K (@dannykmusic) May 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/thatonyathela/status/730653696279908352
Dear ntate Motsoeneng: phenomenal action taken today. Well done. VT #Hlaudi #SABC
— VT (@VusiThembekwayo) May 11, 2016
Never to late to rectify things/restore order… We appreciate the public broadcaster's move with the quota. Two thumbs up! #SABC 🇿🇦
— K.O (@MrCashtime) May 11, 2016
