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Musicians wage war on SA radio

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." 

Who runs this county enklerk? politics,arts,business etc. Seems we being played everywhere.

A photo posted by @slikouronlife on

Their concern was shared by rapper Cassper Nyovest, who took to Twitter to give his own thoughts on the matter.

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