A group of gospel artists has staged a protest outside the SABC’s head office in Auckland Park, Johannesburg. The members of Gospel Artists Indaba expressed concern over what they call a lack of airplay for their music.
They say the only gospel music that gets to be played either on TV or radio is that of famous people. They are also concerned over the limited time the genre is given airplay, saying it is little.
The group says SABC platforms are not recognising up-and-coming artists, which blocks them from gaining recognition and earning revenue.
Godfrey Mahlangu is a gospel artist, who sings in the isiNdebele language. He says all they are asking for is to be given a chance.
“We are not expecting much from the SABC but a slight change in their practices. At least if we could hear at least once a month we hear up-and-coming artists who do not have names. So please do give us a chance. We might not have money but we got talent and we need that chance because it will change our lives,” he adds.
They are also making allegations of payola, or a bribe asked by music compilers, in order for songs to be given airplay. They say payola can be around R1 500 for radio and 3 000 for TV.
Mvanakazi Maduma has released one gospel album and two singles. She says none of her songs has ever received airplay. Maduma says they are even afraid to blow the whistle when they are asked for a bribe.
“I don’t know if I report these guys would they not close the door for me already because they have connections. You go and report then you find that you can no longer perform even in little events because you have reported so and so. So at least if we can find favour in the SABC to be the one opening channels for us. At least if they can say you as the upcoming artists, this is where you have to deliver your music. So that we do not go straight to compilers and compilers want us to bribe them,” she adds.
The artists’ plan was to hand over a memorandum to the SABC. But, arrangements were not made with the public broadcaster.
Organiser Justice Sunduza says this will not stop them.
“It’s an unfortunate situation that we found ourselves in however, we are not disappointed. We are going to take all further steps that they advised us that we need to do an application. Then they need to approve it and accept it. We are going to do that. We are disappointed but we are not stopping. We are going to march on because this is a righteous revolution happening,” he concludes.
