An Open Letter to South African Artists

Zeal on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:11 am 



Thatha MaBlerh!! hai shame, the only south african cd i’ve ever bought was Teargas-Dark or Blue!!
come to think of it, it is the ONLY cd i’ve ever bought!!

cebsyy on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:17 am 



you letter is very touching nd stating d truth ,we are tired of SA artist hu does not take wat they do siriyas yet they wnt 2 reach platinum…..4gettint dat we as listeners want QUALITY,and gud music in order 4 us 2 but yo album….tnx 2 ppl like u MABLERH 4 having d guts 2 tell em d truth (as hard as it is)………and lastly,im happy 2 b d 1st 2 comment*dance of joy*

Brown Shuga on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:19 am 



LOL u stingy shem Zeal

Zida on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 12:23 am 



WOW! This is so true. Nice examples. However, I would have loved to see more examples of old SA legends that had respect for their craft and worked hard. E.g. Sankomota, Soul Brothers, Bayete, etc.

As for Lira, I agree to a certain expent. She definitely is not one of the best singers, but she works hard, she’s professional and takes her work seriously. I admire her for that.

I hope these artists read this. And maybe we would have seen different results at the Metro FM Awards nominations broadcast tonight. Speaking of which, I’ve got some some to share. Can’t wait for the blog about them.

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dont_mind_me on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:16 am 



Nevermind the forgetten examples, like you said Lira and Joyous are really something to look forward to! I had the opportunity to see Lira perform during Macufe a few weeks ago.. And boy oh- boy was she something! She always brings a smile to any heartbroken fan, although some acts like Teargas are not so far from being that good, but are good! Lira, Joyous Celebrations, Ringo, Teargas, HHP aren’t a waste!

Bra Bizza on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:34 am 



i fully support this article,there’s so much bullshit out there. I bought Lira,PRO,Parlotones and wasn’t disappointed. They must continue makin silly excuses and people will keep pirating their music.

Most people i know feel guilty when they’ve pirated a good album,and they end up going to buy the original cd.

Lue on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:57 am 



Amen….I will not buy a cd for 1 song….and can someone pls tell speedy n stoan to sit down n rotate maybe they will see the light after….wtf r they trying to do?

Kiki on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:24 am 



Kwaaaaaaaaaaaaaakwaaaaaaaaaaa *dead*

Plz bloggers buy me The Parlotones hamper, I want ALL of their CDs. Please bangani. *serious temporarily out of funds face*

soul sista on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:27 am 



Oh MaBlerh I hope they heard you.

I never get this thing of singers (not artists because there is no art in what they do) shouting: “…are you there?” Bathong akere you can see that we are here so why keep on asking…Nxa.

Also is it a must that someone should realease an album every year…
BTW why didnt you guys buy Khanyi’s CD I read on Sunday that is sold (about)less than 2000 copies … *I’m not laughing*

lwandie on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 7:15 am 



Batshele MaBlerh,good artists will always get the real deal from their fans.I have original CD and DVD copies for the likes of Lucky Dube,Brenda Fassie,Mirriam Makeba etc. These artists respected their work and always produced highly polished work and so in turn I respect it

…aint no way I will spend a dime,on a CD(sorry house fans),that takes a couple of american tracks… auto tunes them,adds a kwaito beat kancane with a few kasi lines and then sends it for production.

Dladla on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 7:39 am 



For the first time, I agree with this guy. This is sooo true. If artist do not respect or take pride in what they do, it shows in their work…

MaBlerh made such good examples about Lira, Lebo and Brenda…

As for the cocain part, I think it’s like alcohol. If you cannot manage you funds properly, then you are bound to be poor in the end.

I don’t think you need to quit doing them. Just know your shit and do it right.

Some of us know artists who are bonified alocholics but manage their money kakuhle. We also know those who do iziyobisi futhi, nabo they manage.

The advice should be, manage your finances kakuhle… Period!

girly.diva on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:02 am 



MABLERH !! Well done bro.. You said everything as it is.

I’m a huge lira fan and I might not like all her songs on the album but quality is there and I end up singing along even though it’s not a favorite song.
Her dvd is out of this world, Lira is the real deal so far and most people see that, if you’re following her on twitter u will know that she’s one busy bee with booking left right n centre be it a weekend or during the week she’s always performing.

As for house music DJ’s SORRY guys I will never ever buy your cd’s bcuz I know I’ll like one song or two maybe in your album so I’d rather not.

To all artist you need to be strong shame and stop barking about piracy as long as the internet exist Piracy is going to go on, I admit I download a lot of songs FREE on my BB and get some via BBM from friends just save up my money ngoba vele nicula crap and expect us to buy that? Forget..

Wish you guys would just pull out off this music thing bcuz akho mali & find careers really some of u can make good lawyers, doctors, engineers really, it’s never too late to study.

Bruised Ego on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:28 am 



I’m glad I’m not the only person who can see that some SA musicians are lazy…Nice letter…

Good points too…

2meleng on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:32 am 



Done done done!!! Nw off ta twitter ta let em know hw this letter is vital coz that’s what they sit nd do the entire day anyway!

Fezzy on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:51 am 



Bloggers please buy me Theo Kgosinkwe’s new CD.
Now thats a CD I will buy I bought his last album as well.

Kiki on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 8:53 am 



Fezzy,ima kancinci maaan. I asked first. Mxim.

Fezzy on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:00 am 



OK ngizoma Kiki, and if they buy for then wena uthengela mina. Deal?

Vesa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:11 am 



What a good letter! They should actually thank you for telling it like it is.

We still buy CD’s but only if it’s good quality.

lele011 on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:24 am 



Anyone listened to Ntokozo Masinga’s last album released last year?? i dont think so. i bought it. that girl is talented but her album was not well-marketed at all. i blame her & her record company. whats the use of coming up with a good album and not market it?? how stupid.

one thing about me is no matter how good your album is, if you are arrogant i just wont buy it.period. there’s radio for that.

Lahvee on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:29 am 



Phew…Tjeer.. #Deathby forgeting JC password…

Eish Mablerh “… am not going to buy your music when the bulk of your lyrics are translated U.S rap lyrics (yes, I’m talking to you Kabelo Mabalane)…”

Kabelo and TKZ probably thought we didnt listen to some international CD’s coz I would find myself thinking… “haa thats Nas in Zulu!” And they did it on toooooo many occasions.

Eish… off to a meeting…!!

Miss H on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:29 am 



Totally agree with all these points raised in this letter. And “artists” masiqela kakubi when it comes to performances. The least they can do is have some coordination on the stage, and even outfits.

Cinnabon on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:37 am 



@MaBlerh…Bravo!

Brown Shuga on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:49 am 



“…… Nw off ta twitter ta let em know hw this letter is vital coz that’s what they sit nd do the entire day anyway!…..”
Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa @ 2meleng

Zah000 on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 9:52 am 



The letter is on point! I don’t see why i should buy an album just to listen to on hit track and the rest is pap.

I have a lot of respect for abo Lira and JC. They make an effort, respect what they do and sure deliver quality work. I never feel like my money’s wasted when i buy their albums

Buhlebonga on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:06 am 



MaBlerh. Bravo sir.
You know it is these type of letters that should be emailed to each and every musician in the country. They need to read this.

So True about Lira and JC. I bought the Lira DVD for the second time this weekend because my nephew broke it in April and mom wanted it so badly I decided to buy it. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing LIRA perform three times and everytime I just marvel at how wonderful this lady is and what a show she puts on.

Joyous Celebration. I tweeted last week and said if JC 14 was this good, imagine 15? Every year they perform better. Durban July weekend I went to the JC concert after the July, before I went to the after parties. I cldnt miss them for the world.

Afrikaans music in South Africa is amazing! If you guys have watched the Huisgenoot Skouspel, these guys will leave you amazed because they put their all in their music and this is why its so popular.

Thank you MaBleh bhuti for this and I DO hope that these artists- yes, you Tira and your groupies Bha and company too- actually pull up your socks!

Bongani on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:09 am 



True Lahvee i noticed how TKZEEE mostly translated US lyrics to lokshion taal….

most south african music i think are worth my money are Jazz, traditional and Gospel Disc’s..as for R&B,house,kwaito, and the rest why buy them when you can copy a friends disc…copy and paste from memory stick..or bluethtooth the song

sexymm on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:09 am 



Dankie MaBlerh..Mina ngiyazifela ngo-Pro bakwethu.Hhayi bayangiqeda abanye “aphi amantombazane” *SCREAMING* WTF…

rego on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:12 am 



Standing ovation to you Mablerh! It is precisely why we buy very little SA music. People dont make effort to make their work presentable, and they complain about support afterwards. They travel to durban, cape town and johannesburg only, when performing but expect the whole country to rally behind them. Nikka pls!

I’ll buy all quality albums (Lira, Liquid Deep, and the likes) before even listening because i know effort was put in. From writing the lyrics, vocal arrangements to mastering of the album. I will never buy a durban produced album coz i feel its an insult not only to my intellect but my pocket as well.

Khulisiwe on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:15 am 



Lets hope our SA musicians learn that you cant get away with delivering mediocer music and expect fans to support you. Most of our artist are not given lessons on “the fan pscyci 101″ therefore they don’t understand that as quickly as you can gain fans is as quickly as you can loose them. As much as we pay attention to our favourite musicians they should also take time to understand what type of fans they have, what they like, how to keep on delivering what they like and how to retain them and get more in the process cause at the end of the day its the fans that make you or break you.

lejazz on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:34 am 



Yeah these artists do not respect their art.Most of the mzansi musicians’ albums have one good track and the others are just extras like in a soapie.

Lira,Rebecca Malope,Joyous Celebration,Ringo always deliver great quality of music…their live DVDs are so great to watch.

Kwaito and house artists are the worst in dishing out one good song in their albums.And for that they must forget about reaching platinum.

As for Khanyi’s album ai that was way too much of her.2000 sales!!!! yo yo yo lol kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa….and I heard that Khabonina has also released an album hope she will surpass that 2000 mark lolment…

Oh again Phila has released an album I wonder if it’s doing very well eish….these tv and radio personalities think that being in the public eye means they have to try all avenues in the industry..if you cannot sing just leave it.Normally those kinds just drop one album and voila they are in the grave….

Vesa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:36 am 



if you are arrogant i just wont buy it.period. there’s radio for that.
kwaaahhaa! I also listen to most of SA music on the radio!

Something that I don’t get is “Have these artists ever wondered why gospel music sells so much in the country”? Benjamin Dube, the late Vuyo Mokoena, Soweto Gospel choir, JC, Rebeccah, Sechaba etc? Do they think it’s because we are deeply religious?

On another note though, Jozi produces good music man….but I still don’t have their cd’s

primie on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:53 am 



phakamisa izandla………..aphi amantombazane gosh give it a rest already ….no i will not lift my hands ….oh and sikhona so stop asking …..make good worthwhile music already.

Polly on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:56 am 



Well said Mablerh, i hope they read this for their own sake. The only original cds i own is Lira, JC, Benjamin Dube & PRO…as for the rest, i wont even waste my money on them.

Polly on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 10:59 am 



lol Primie… ngicela ku bona 7 phezulu, can you feeeeeel iiiiitttttt.

Lela on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:04 am 



I buy every Joyous Celebrwtion DVD shen,i always look forward to the next one. As for CDs thank God for freebees. The only CD I ever bought was Takie and Rofiwas at Randburg taxi rank because I was moved but how such talented guys were pushing their thing at a taxi rank nogal while we are being force fed all these Rebeccas.

sexymm on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:28 am 



“Mangithi Pitch black wena uthi afro” *singing* where is pitch black kodwa?

Abut' Majesa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 11:56 am 



After founding a online local music store called http://www.shipa.co.za I found a strange behaviour amoungst SA artists. Gauteng based artists are selling lesser than other provinces, which did not make sense cause Gauteng artist are the ones with all the resources in abaundance.

Gauteng artist are very spoilt & do not feel like they need to work hard for there own success, they all want to become the next Black Coffees & PROs without puting the necessary effort. Artist just dont understand that everything in life is earned.

Musawenkosi. on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 1:55 pm 



*switches on to snarkophile mode*

*glitch*

*clears throat*

lol!

Excellent piece! I agree with everything, especially the point you made about live performances. They are just as important as the quality of the ulbum production. They should be hands on – they must rehearse; consult with the sound engineers to make sure the sound is good etc. It’s work, they must know and respect that. They are too lazy and some lack the talent bathatha ama-chance nje, only concerned about the ‘celebrity’ status. When I go to a concert I except the same quality of sound as in the CD or better, nothing less! Lets keep them on their toes. PHANSI WITH MEDIOCRITY PHANSI!

Thiwe on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:19 pm 



Itjo, this is an interesting piece.So, I’ma add my views as a South African artist.

1. I think the subject line should read “An Open letter to South African Hip Hop and Kwaito artist. Reason being that all things you mentioned which are very valid are directed at kwaito and hip hop artist.

2. Artists like myself, Wanda Baloyi, Maxhoba, Nothende, Lulu Dikana to name a few do take our music seriously and that’s why we do have rehearsals a minimum of three days, we have sound engineers who travel with us for our performances and we put on the best we can when given a chance because we hardly get those chances. Reason being: we are not as popular as the artists mentioned in this article.

3. I truyl believe that there are many artists in this country who are still not getting their worth in this country but the funy is we are appreciated more out of our country by people that dont even understand the xhosa or sesotho lyrics but do understand the music and the melodies and therefore can tell that our music is quality.

4. The BUDGET is a very important part of any artist’s career and this can help make or break an album. People mentioned in this article like Lira, the Parlotones have big budgets behind them and this is a fact. The big budget later translates to a much more effective marketing/publicity campaign. Most artists nowadays sign to independant record labels which dont always have much budget (that which they have will rather go towards the recording of the album including booking session artist to make it a quality album).

Basically, we’re not making excuses (not all artits) and we work hard and that’s why even though we’re not well known, we’re still pursuing our careers and not giving up because this is more just fame and money to us.

Vesa on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:29 pm 



The BUDGET is a very important part of any artist’s career and this can help make or break an album. People mentioned in this article like Lira, the Parlotones have big budgets behind them and this is a fact. The big budget later translates to a much more effective marketing/publicity campaign. Most artists nowadays sign to independant record labels which dont always have much budget (that which they have will rather go towards the recording of the album including booking session artist to make it a quality album).

Points taken, but just to point out….I don’t think Lira had a big budget when she started. I think she started small and earned the right to have a big budget that she now commands.

Lela on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 2:49 pm 



Heheh Thiwe I actually wanted to tell u to come here especially after your status update. Ewe Vesa Lira didn’t have a big bugdet when she started hence she flopped and only made it now that she has a big budget behind her and I egree with Thiwe budget is a big part in this indudtry and I know many talented musicians who would be big now if they had the right budget.

Kiki on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:11 pm 



Kwaaaaaa @ “I think the subject line should read “An Open letter to South African Hip Hop and Kwaito artist.” *dead*

Yes Lela unyanisile,Lira flopped when she started and she doesn’t hide it shem. She really has bounced back.

Thiwe on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:38 pm 



@ Lela: you took the words out of my mouth.

@ Kiki: she bounced back coz she had more than enough resources to help her bounce back.

Lela on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 3:50 pm 



The thing is these companies all they wanna do is chow the artists’ money,they will make them sign everything over to them and the next thing we wonder why they die poor. I know a group that was signed to the same company as the ever so popilar hip hop group. They were getting all the airplay and the gigs because the company started marketing them before they had actually signed the contract,they were even nominated for Metros, now come the day of signing the guys refused to sign their publishing rights over to the company,that was the day. All the company does now is chase them everytime they try and release an album with another company claiming they signed five years with them. Behind the scenes of this industry kukhohlakelwe and uyadliwa umntu ngetalente yakhe.

Cupcake on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:33 pm 



I agree with dis letter. Our artists even fail to give us an impression during awards such as the MTN and Metro fm awards.all they do is scream,jump around on da stage,I dnt knw if it s da excitement(about what I dnt know). They even claim to have rehearsed, m nt sure about that.as 4house music,I only own one CD-Fresh’s definition of house 2.I will NEVER buy an album for da sake of one hit. Y can’t South African have albums with various artists such as da likes of Now 52,53,etc. It s da best of every one, I buy those,all my favourite artists in one album. They only did it during da world cup,they should try that while they work on the quality of their albums.

MaBlerh on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 4:40 pm 



Hi Thiwe,

1. This thing about artists saying that they are more appreciated outside is often a cry for help when things go south. Simphiwe Dana is a prime example of this. Her first album was well received because it was well thought of and produced and then she released Bantu Biko Street which should have been an unreleased jam session. She then started complaining about how South Africans do not support their artists. Bear in mind, she did not complain about this when Zandisile was selling and she was getting booked left right and center. Moral of the story: Know your target market. Know what they what. Deliver what they want.

2. It’s not only hip hop and kwaito artists that are a problem. We also have issues with afro pop, jazz and R&B. They like to go on these journeys of discovery and then feel the need to sell their flimsy conclusions to us as “deep” music.

3. Three days minimum is not enough. People like Beyonce rehearse for 3 weeks before performing a song on award shows. She prepares six (6) months in advance for tour. We want nothing but perfection. We are not willing to pay for anything less than that.

4. I really don’t take the whole “no budget” excuse when it comes to performances and production. This excuse is blown out of the water by Maskandi artists who are able to make something out of nothing. There are many low budget albums out there that sound amazing because the artist knew how to make whatever little he/she had work. Furthermore, you can’t use the “no budget” excuse for live performances. I’m not an artist but I know how to throw a captivating performance that turns the crowd into raving lunatics. Take me to any karaoke bar and I will show you magic. LOL! Or better yet, ask me to direct your next live performance.

Thiwe on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:20 pm 



I hear you my brother and I agree with your views but be open minded as well about my response.

do you know how many times artists like judith sephuma/malaika/zonke/putuma/kwani experience perform out of the country? these are the same artists who dont perform much in their very own country. we know our market and that’s why its easy for a jazz artist to go backpackign in order to perform at a small jazz club in new orleans because that’s where their market it. someone like lulu dikana performs to a fairly packed room if it’s at a venue like blues room coz her market is people that prefer the intimate indoor set up.

if music is deep, its deep and you cant deny that. the sad thing is prime time television/radio does not play deep. you only get to hear their music sometime between midnight and 6am. their music videos are not played on shows like live/club 808 because its not right for the programmes market. then how do you expect people to know the artists music if the country’s biggest platforms dont give it airplay? a tour? in south africa? when was the last time you heard of anyone going on a nationawide tour with a full band? if we were given that chance, do you really think we would waste it? especially knowing how important and effective something like a tour is?

again? on your last point. you’re making examples of the wrong people. maskandi/gospel and afrikaans music are the best selling in this country (which is why they even have their very own separate awards ceremonies) so you really cant compare jazz or rnb to these three categories.

can i make it my mission of inviting you to some of the less acknowledged artists’ rehearsals or live performances? and can you honestly say you’ll be open minded when you come to these shows? this would change your view of artist and you’d understand why i had said you should change the subject line.

my first invitation to you would be;
Zar at Radisson square on monday evenings: a lady called malehloka hlalele performs with a band. she is not popular but is one of the most talented vocalists and yet does not get the recognition she deserves.

three days rehearsal (minimum) does not mean 2hrs a day. it means from 10am to 11pm because we do not leave that rehearsal room until all songs are on point. please do make time to go and check out some of these people’s rehearsal at bassline or marilyn’s in melvern. and while at it, ask ayanda nhlangothi who stays there and is a recordign artist to do an impromptu performance for you on acoustic alone and you will be blown away.

Lela on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 5:30 pm 



MaBler can I take you to the Kareoki bar so u can show me magic,I wouldn’t mind seeing your magic anyday.

MaBlerh on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:05 pm 



Thiwe, I agree with certain points. Maybe we can excuse Jazz artists from the firing line as they really do try. The rest, no!

I will await those invites. Be warned, though, I am huge critic when it comes to the music I listen to. I refuse to sit through a lousy performance. I also hate shallow depth. If you are going to sell me depth, it better be deep.

MaBlerh on Wed, 27th Oct 2010 6:06 pm 



@Lela, time and place please.

Vesa on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 8:32 am 



a tour? in south africa? when was the last time you heard of anyone going on a nationawide tour with a full band? if we were given that chance, do you really think we would waste it? especially knowing how important and effective something like a tour is?

Joyous Celebration does this throughout the year?

Thiwe on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 9:55 am 



@ MaBlerh: i shall keep a look out for those performances and will gladly invite you and dont worry, we dont mind criticism as it helps our growth.

@ Vesa: JC do not tour lovie. if they did, we would see them throughout the country (in all nine provinces)with the group as it is (complete as on dvd’s), not just a portion of the group.

@ Lela: pls do invite me to Mablerh’s kareoke performance and do bring a camera to capture those magical moments…lol, so we can share with the rest of the family.

Lady Guava on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 10:17 am 



MaBlerh wa ipuela hey, but it’s teh truth and for that we commemd you! Keep up the good work. Sometimes it’s good to copy good habits of others, hence i commend Lira and she is now on top of her game….
Ntate Thiwe (seeing that he’s a jazz musician) also raises valid points. I so love Malehloka, she’s featured on “Uzongilinda ma Ngihamba” ya DJ Qness…ohw she kills it, especially the end part…
I love JC guys! just had to say it.

Thiwe on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 10:32 am 



@ Lady Guava: sendiyi ndoda ngoku??? haaibo! what gives???? OMG!!!

Malehloka is also featured on DJ Kent’s latest album on a track called ‘falling’….iyoh, this woman can sing bathong! http://www.djkent.co.za and click on the song, it is too beautiful.

Lady Guava on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 11:09 am 



Oops! So sorry about that Thiwe, for some strange reason my not-so-common sense made me think u’re a man, anyway Woman has man in it right… No offence intended.
So Malehlo she does sessions every monday ko ZAR, tjo i’m sooo going there, i love her voice.

Silvio on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 12:01 pm 



im not the one for piracy but i dont buy crap (i think). la Emzinsi album i bought and loe to listen to is Simphiwe Dana, she just keeps on growing with every Album< Bongo Maffin (bayangichaza), Brotehrs of Peace, Mthizzz Essential mixz< Siphokazi, Thandiswa Mazwai and Dessert Child.
one cd actually two its Tumi and the volime i hear he is super good, and Elle (what happened to her? she sounded promosing)

Bootylicious on Thu, 28th Oct 2010 8:25 pm 



Pro,Lira,Big nuz,Liquid deep.

Perzzz on Fri, 29th Oct 2010 7:03 am 



While I agree with you, Mablehr, I also agree very strongly with Thiwe (God bless her sweet and calm soul). I for one will NEVER buy a CD with just song credits on the sleeve, and one photo-nyana. For me, that shows that no thought and effort were taken (and yes, it is due to a budget that the record company gives you). I’m not the biggest Lira fan (or her music, rather), but that chick has done a lot of things right and I have sooooooooo much respect for her. From her first (technically, second) commercial album; there were photos and lyrics in the sleeve. It made me feel that my money was well spent. Also, just to correct you and others: Lira had a budget, guys, when she did her first album. She had also been in the game for some time and knew who to call for favours. And she had studio connections. Really, her husband (then boyfriend) owns a recording studio. Her success was written in the stars.

And as far as bad sound in shows is concerned, that is NO FAULT of the artist. That is the PROMOTER! The artist sometimes is not allowed to have their own band. Or rehearse.

This is a collaborative effort. People like Beyonce can afford to rehearse 6 months prior because they have major sponsors pumping money. Rehearsals cost money. And for as long as corporates in our country are not willing to invest in shows, we will keep getting mediocrity. If you’re not “tried and tested”, many will stay away from you. Radio will probably not play your songs. And if SABC and eTV don’t play your videos (if your record company has granted you a budget for one), you hope and pray that Channel O or MTV will. Same goes for print media. Unless you know someone there, or someone has heard about you; chances of getting profiled are almost non-existent. This is mostly dependent on the record companies. Lira has broken many records and has done many great things, but this is something that should happened long ago – for a country like SA. So my point is, artists are to blame to a certain extent and they should make an effort. But there are many other parties who keep dropping the ball.

Thiwe on Fri, 29th Oct 2010 9:56 am 



@ Silvio: Elle is not a gospel artist hle! Eish, I really think she would have been far by now coz she has/had no competition. Her voice and her songwriting skills are something that’s very rare. She is now Lebo Tisane and was even nominated for the crown gospel artist.

shybear on Mon, 1st Nov 2010 3:10 pm 



Most artist do good with their 1st album, and then its crap thereafter. Ntando, zama jobe n thandizwa r my examples.

I luv local music n I buy so many local cds its not even funny,Ive lost count of all the local cds I have(IPCC to Mzekezeke).

I will neva buy Ntando,wini khumalo,brickz, browndash,tina, etc, even if the cd is R10,

Pappy on Tue, 2nd Nov 2010 1:34 pm 



Geez,i am sooo inlove with that “Falling” track, it think it was beautifully put together. I still admire TearGas, a lot, as for Lira i love her shame mara i do know that vocally she’s not that supper but she does put an offort in what she does which makes everything else follow….

Pappy on Tue, 2nd Nov 2010 1:39 pm 



Speaking of House Music, i think a round aplause is due to Black Coffee,he has done Phenomenal work thus far.and if u ask me, i think going to school for music/art helps when it comes to making good music…im just saying….

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