Johannesburg - The lack of love for local music by SA radio stations is a story as old as time, but musicians are determined to make a change.
Local rapper Cassper Nyovest made headlines late last year when he called on radio to give local musicians more appreciation- even asking for them to treat him like US pop star, Beyoncé (more on that here).
Since then, the rapper's fight has been picked up by several other artists, including kwaito legend Zola (more on that here).
The industry was rocked this past week when jazz veteran and co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee, Don Laka, took to Facebook to address the crisis he says has meant the loss of 15 000 direct jobs in the music industry.
In a rant that has lasted several days, Don says that SA radio has made a decision to reduce the amount of local music it plays and that artist's royalties are drying up as a result of the decision (read the full rant here).
The rant, including a post wherein Don reveals his royalties statement, went viral on social media and sparked a debate amongst local artists, including Slikour and HHP.
Reposting the statement, former Skwatta Kamp member Slikour wrote: "Who runs this county enklerk? politics,arts,business etc. Seems we being played everywhere."
Their concern was shared by rapper Cassper Nyovest, who took to Twitter to give his own thoughts on the matter.
Last night my uber driver asked me a question. He asked me if American stations play South African music as much as we play them here. Lol
— New Album in stores (@CassperNyovest) February 20, 2016
I told him they don't even know we exist at all. Last time they heard of a South African musician it was Lucky Dube https://t.co/kyFhgl1sgC
— New Album in stores (@CassperNyovest) February 20, 2016
But there is something you can do. Complain. We have been taught that our voices don't matter but they actually do. https://t.co/jANwGuf6iA
— New Album in stores (@CassperNyovest) February 20, 2016
Our government has failed us in so many aspects it's not even funny anymore. This don't feel like the great South Africa I grew up in.
— New Album in stores (@CassperNyovest) February 20, 2016
The other thing is us as musicians. There's no unity so we can't fight 4 anything. When one speaks, he speaks alone. https://t.co/vxASRYzmK3
— New Album in stores (@CassperNyovest) February 20, 2016
We really need to stop fighting each other and start fighting for each other!!!
— New Album in stores (@CassperNyovest) February 20, 2016