SPINS SPECIAL: LOCAL MUSIC ROCKS

In the global scheme of things, the South African music industry is relatively small and not very lucrative (although that depends on who you ask). Nevertheless, the richness and brilliance of our local musical talent is undeniable and highly comparable to many of the international acts we all tend to put on a pedestal.

With eleven official languages there are few countries that can compete with us when it comes to our diversity. But it is also this diversity, to some extent, that is holding our industry back. Just as we experience separation based on skin colour, there is a massive divide in our music industry; many of us simply do not care to explore the many musical styles available right here on local soil.

Whether anything can be done about this in the short term is up for debate: Imagine how difficult it would be to persuade a typical older white ‘boer’ – the ones who clutch their hearts when hearing Bok van Blerk’s De La Rey – to start listening to something as brilliant as Mafikizolo. Thankfully, today’s generation is much more open to different genres and styles and is more likely to try different types of culture than previous ones.

But even here the divide remains. In my opinion it would be easier to persuade a young black person to listen (and possibly enjoy) an Afrikaans song than it would be to convince a young white person to start listening to something like Tsonga, Maskandi or Mbhaqanga music.

If we can dance to English music made by South African DJs, why can we not dance to original, catchy and infectious music by Brenda Fassie and Lebo Mathosa in clubs? Why can we not groove to Malaika, Mafikizolo or even Afrikaans artists like Nicholis Louw and Eden, regardless of whether we understand what they’re singing?

Clearly this divide is not limited to race, but also to class and culture – not to mention the massive role personal taste plays in the kind of music we like and support. I have myself been guilty of not giving local music the time of day it deserves, but I’m now a convert. These days I’m the first person to ramble on about how brilliant some of our artists are and how, given a chance, they can easily compete in the international arena.

…occasionally splash out on a South African CD, or go out and support a performance by one of our artists. You’ll not only be doing the country’s artists a favour, but also be expanding your horizons.

On a positive note, there is a marked increase in the public’s interest in local music, with a handful of local artists selling more albums than big-name international artists.

In an article that addresses the state of the South African music industry (Is SA Music in ICU? by Colman Murray published in the April issue of Stage magazine), we learn that James Blunt was 2006’s best seller. At number three, however, we have Freshlyground. Afrikaans singer Juanita du Plessis is at number seven, shifting more albums than Shakira and Il Divo. Chris Chameleon is at number 16, selling more than Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eminem and Justin Timberlake, while Steve Hofmeyr is at number 27 for the year – selling more albums than Madonna. This kind of success is sadly limited to a handful of local artists who manage to capture the mainstream local buying public’s imagination and hearts.

The ever-growing influence of international pop culture means that we read more about international musicians and their releases than we do of our fellow countrymen. We prefer to buy music DVDs by foreign artists and go through life unaware of how extraordinary someone like Nataniël is on stage, or how infectious the atmosphere at a Nicholis Louw concert can be (he might not have pyrotechnics and half-naked dancers on stage with him, but he has raw energy and a killer band to back him up.) We religiously follow international award shows like the Grammys and forget that we have our own accolades to hand out.

In fact, the upcoming South African Music Awards (or SAMA’s) are in their 13th year of existence. It is a project of the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) and recognises musical excellence across genres and the various facets of musical production, engineering and video production. The five most significant prizes are Best Male Album, Best Female Album, Best Album by a Duo or Group, Best Newcomer Album and Album of the Year – an award for excellence regardless of genre or style.

So why should South African music be supported – especially those artists that are outside of the Top 40 box? Consider it an investment in our culture: It’s the only way these performers can make a living and in turn improve their skills, up the quality of their recordings and show the world what we’re capable of. I’m not saying you should go out and buy every local album that is released, but make an effort to take a chance and occasionally splash out on a South African CD, or go out and support a performance by one of our artists. You’ll not only be doing the country’s artists a favour, but also be expanding your horizons. Who know what gems you may discover?

I am a firm believer than it’s not only Johnny Clegg who can make Michael Jackson postpone a tour through France. I have no doubt that it’s not only the Mahotella Queens who can have sell-out tours in Japan. And I’m convinced that it’s not only Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Soweto Gospel Choir who are deserving of Grammy Awards. Believe me, local is increasingly incredibly ‘lekker’ and you are losing out if you haven’t yet started paying attention.

The nominees in the leading categories for the 13th Annual MTN South African Music Awards are:

Best Female Album

Maduvha for Maduvha

Rae for Kwenzekile

Simphiwe Dana for The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street

Siphokazi for Ubuntu Bam

Vicky for Halleluyah

Best Male Album

Bheki Khoza for Getting to Heaven Alive

Kabelo for Exodus

Musa Manzini for Simply Life

Paul Hanmer for Accused No.1 Nelson Mandela

Vusi Mahlasela for Naledi Ya Tsela

Best Album by a Duo/Group

Cassette for Welcome Back to Earth

Grassroots for African Moods

Mafikizolo for Six Mabone

Shwi No Mtekhala for Angimazi Ubaba

Trompies for Can’t Touch This

Best Newcomer Album

Lesego for MyMusic

Lucas Senyatso for All of Me

Maduvha for Maduvha

Rae for Kwenzekile

Siphokazi for Ubuntu Bam

Album of the Year

Bheki Khoza for Getting to Heaven Alive

DJ Sbu for Y-lens Vol. 1

Simphiwe Dana for The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street

Siphokazi for Ubuntu Bam

Vusi Mahlasela for Naledi Ya Tsela

The 13th Annual MTN South African Music Awards take place on April 14 at the Sun City Superbowl and will be broadcast live on SABC1. Tickets are available from Computicket and will cost you R95 to R120 (for gallery tickets) or R200 (for main floor tickets).