BULAWAYO musicians have hit back at Star FM’s Dj Templeman for accusing local artistes of not supplying national radio stations with copies of their music.
SINDISO DUBE OWN CORRESPONDENT
Speaking to Southern Eye Lifestyle last week, Templeman charged that Bulawayo musicians were known for claiming they were being marginalised in the industry, yet they were not forthcoming with materials for national radio stations.
Templeman hosts two shows on Star FM — Dancehall Remedy every Thursday from 10-12pm and ZimDancehall Overdrive every Saturday between 7 and 8pm. The Dj claimed receiving various music from places as far as Mutare, Marondera and Zvishavane, but not from Bulawayo musicians.
But local musicians in seperate interviews with Southern Eye Lifestyle in the city yesterday had no kind words for Templeman. Jazz musician Jeys Marabini said Templeman’s claims were farfetched, adding that radio stations and artistes should work together.
“It is not entirely our fault as musicians that we don’t get (our music) played on national radio stations. It is not us (only)who benefit from being played on radio, but the radio stations also do benefit,” Jeys said.
“Radio stations should not only wait for our music, but should look for it, like they do with international stuff. Since radio stations play international music, does this mean that the likes of Ray Phiri, Lady Smith (Black Mambazo), Jay-Z and Beyoncé would have sent them their music? “As much as they fancy international and regional stuff, they should consider local talent and you can’t do without it,” Jeys added.
He claimed that many artistes have been sending music to radio stations, but it was not being played. Hip-hop musician POY also castigated Templeman.
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“I don’t have a problem with radio stations, but I feel we are not being appreciated as we are supposed to be. Somehow there is an element of bias,” POY said.
Music producer Thulani “Dj Face” Nyashanu said some of the artistes in his stable had submitted their music to national radio stations, but were told that their stuff did not measure to the required standards.
“How can there be balance when these guys don’t understand music from this region? I call for balance. Once that overcomes the language barrier it will be over,” Dj Face said.
However, Khulekani “Khuxxman” Bethule agreed with Templeman that some musicians have never attempted to submit their music to national radio stations.
“But maybe it is due to financial constraints. Some of us cannot make a lot of copies of our music,” he said.
