SEPTEMBER 2017 · NO. 7

PERFECTING THE ART OF REINVENTION

THANDISWA MAZWAI TAMARA DEY BRIDGING THE GAP 10 24 32 reclaims her spot in the talks about her with legend Letta Mbuli music industry musical journey

1 Contents Meet the CEO

JOHANNESBURG CONTACT US CONTACT US 6 Meet the CEO (HEAD OFFICE) : +27(0) 21 410 9974 : (015) 812 0081 20 De Korte Sreet, : [email protected] : [email protected] 8 The passing of Paul Ross marks the Braamfontein, 2001, passing of an era Duncan breathes New life DURBAN RUSTENBURG The Playhouse Company 214 Beyers Naude Drive 10 reclaims her into THE OLD SCHOOL POSTAL 29 Anton Lembede St Rustenburg spot in the music industry 6 SOUND P.O. Box 31609, Durban North West Braamfontein, 4001 0299 12 DALRO / Theatricals turns 50 , CONTACT US CONTACT US 14 Duncan breathes new life to the old South Africa, : (031) 369 9536 : (014) 523 3732 school Kwaito sound18 Entries 2017 : [email protected] : [email protected] CONTACT US 16 The law regarding sampling : +27 11 712 8000 EAST LONDON NELSPRUIT and cover versions : +27 (0) 86 674 4391 2 Buffalo Street Regus Building East London Corner Ferreira and Van Der Merwe Street 18 Multi-talented Musos : [email protected] 14Multi-talented 5200 Nelspruit musos: 1200 20 Zoe Modiga – A star in making PORT ELIZABETH CONTACT US Fairview Office Park : 043 704 7542 Contact us 22 Dispelling Myths around DJ 3rd Floor : [email protected] +27 13 754 7814 Licensing Ring Road [email protected] Greenacres 24 Kwaito diva, Tamara Dey talks about 6045 THOHOYANDOU WITBANK her musical journey CONTACT US Jerice’s Palace : (041) 399 9615 Post Office Street 10 Corridor Crescent 26 CEO Roundtable Thohoyandou Smokey Mountain Office Park : (041) 503 7520 28 DJs performing with : [email protected] 0950 Ben Fleur Extension 1 A star in the Emalahleni instrumentalists 18 making CONTACT US CAPE TOWN : (015) 962 6345 CONTACT US 30 Exploring synchronisation Artscape : [email protected] +27 13 656 0713 opportunities and licensing D.F. Malan St [email protected] Foreshore GIYANI 32 Bridging the gap with Cape Town Multipurpose Centre legend Letta Mbuli 8001 Giyani 34 We want more of Timo ODV 20 36 African music eas the biggest We want more of Credits winner as two new kings of... Editor in Chief: Tiyani Maluleke Timo ODV 40 Catching up with the SAMRO Content Writers: Thando Mketsu, Andile Ndlovu, Christina Kennedy Foundation’s 2016 Overseas Project Supervisor: Phash Ratshilumela Scholarships winners Guest Contributors: Jonathan Shaw Design and layout: Lattitude Group

@SAMROSouthAfrica @SAMROMusic @samromusic www.samro.org.za 2 34 3 EDITOR’S

NOTEelcome to another to fellow creative genius Caiphus Linda Sikhakane, have been up to jam-packed edition Semenya – and is still weaving since clinching one of the country’s of SAMRO Notes! creative alchemy. We were fortunate most prestigious music awards for We hope you enjoy to have had an audience with instrumentalists. A lso on our radar in tuckingW into this magazine tailored this doyenne, and we also profile SAMRO Notes is popular hip-hop artist to entertain and inspire you, our Thandiswa Mazwai, who has released Duncan, who speaks about the ethics hard-working members, and also to a ‘songbook’ paying homage and legalities of sampling, and we also MUSIC celebrate the vibrancy of the industry to our music legends – including take a look at some bubbling-under we work in. One thing is becoming Mbulu.SAMRO Notes also chats to musicians who we’d love to hear more CREATORS abundantly clear, in today’s ever- the ever-glamorous Tamara Dey, who from – including rising changing music industry: you need was dubbed “the first lady of kwaito” star Timo ODV.There’s much more to ARE THE to be a chameleon to thrive. It’s when she burst onto the scene. She’s dip into and enjoy in this edition, as becoming increasingly essential to be also dropping a new album, this time we count down to SAMRO’s annual versatile and work across platforms steeped in a new fusion sensibility Wawela Music Awards that toast LIFEBLOOD – not just out of necessity but to that veers towards African pop. If excellence in music creation across a keep that creative spark alive. Music South Africans had barely heard of Zoë range of categories. THAT creators are the lifeblood that feeds Modiga two years ago, they certainly our musical heartbeat, and in this do today. Until the next edition, we wish you all a edition we feature a mixed bag of joyful second half of the year! FEEDS OUR veterans, established industry players Since winning a 2015 SAMRO and boundary-pushing new kids on the Overseas Scholarship for singing, MUSICAL music block. Included in this focus is this jazzy songstress has made an a comprehensive homage to several emphatic imprint on the music scene. generations of sublime female music We chat to her about the release of HEARTBEAT makers. her debut album, Yellow: The Novel. Still on our most dazzling new stars is one of South Africa’s in the SAMRO universe, SAMRO Tiyani Maluleke grand dames of music, and this Notes finds out what last year’s two General Manager evergreen songstress is celebrating scholarship winners, marimba player Marketing a remarkable 50 years of marriage Dylan Tabisher and saxophonist

4 5 tions and concerns, in respect of the Bill, cations as Managing Editor: Business Bigotry is something she has faced many to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Finance, where she was responsible for a time, she says, especially being a young Industry in parliament. the management of three key tax and vat and black woman. publications. She then moved on to the “The history of my appointment is not lost Dramatic, Artistic & Literary Organisation “Firstly, I doubt there will be any woman on me. It’s very special. It’s a moment in (DALRO), where she was the GM of Corpo- who can say she’s never felt discriminated history. But I just think of all the work that rate and Legal Affairs – and was later pro- against on the basis of her gender. In most needs to be done – there’s so much to be moted to the position of MD. Add to that cases, I like to bring things out in the open done,” she says, as she munches on an a position of Non-Executive Director and and deal with it – bigotry flourishes in dark energy bar and drinks a protein shake. Chairperson of the Governance Sub-Com- corners. People who are on the receiving mittee at Media Diversity and Development end of it are often punished for, as I have, She acknowledges that it is a Agency. but in the end it will work out for you. ground-breaking moment in SAMRO’s But it was in January 2014, where the Being frank and shining a light on these history. She is the first woman to take over wheels were set in motion on her journey prejudices is how they stop,” she says. the reins in the five decades-plus historyof to the SAMRO hot seat. Migogo joined the organisation. Being a very young black CAPASSO in the position of CEO. CAPASSO Thankfully, Migogo also knows how to woman, too, makes it even more extra-or- is a mechanical rights licensing agency unwind. She credits her family (she is also dinary. based in Johannesburg – collecting and a mother to two children) with keeping her distributing royalties to its members, sane. At the time of this interview, she is “My leadership of CAPASSO was history which includes music publishers and waiting for Jay-Z’s 4:44 album to be made MONG its many reputed ben- needs to be done – there’s so much to be in itself. There were a lot of things that composers. available on Apple Music, after it was The first efits, yoga is said to improve done,” she says, as she munches on an CAPASSO did that were a first for us in the One of her biggest achievements includes initially only offered on the rapper’s Tidal energy and vitality – something energy bar and drinks a protein shake. country – the strides that we made in the successfully leading the organisation from streaming platform. She is a big fan of The woman to take new SAMRO CEO, Nothando digital licensing sphere. Many firsts in the licensing revenue of R31 million in 2014 to Weekend’s Trilogy album, and English indie AMigogo has needed to get through her first She acknowledges that it is a mechanical rights industry. R80 million by 2016. CAPASSO also suc- rock band alt-J, who recently released their over the reins month at the helm of the largest collec- ground-breaking moment in SAMRO’s “But being at SAMRO now - the sheer cessfully licensed the majority of digital third album, Relaxer. tive management organisation on the history. She is the first woman to take over history and size and position that SAMRO service providers and over the last couple in the five continent. the reins in the five decades-plus history occupies on the continent, means it’s a of years entered into agreements with the Back to the yoga. totally different ball game. It’s a big jump. likes of Apple Music, YouTube, MTN and decades-plus Often, over the past few weeks, Migogo AMONG its many reputed benefits, yoga is The level of responsibility and the number Google Play. “In life, you’re more than just what you do has spent her time meeting with her new said to improve energy and vitality – some- of interested stakeholders are far more. It’s at work. You have to be a well-rounded history of the team as well as key stakeholders and thing new SAMRO CEO, Nothando Migogo raising the bar for myself and my career, She says she loves bagging a big client, person. When my spirituality calls, I find it ensuring that she gives herself time to has needed to get through her first month which is great. I’m really up for the chal- the completion of a project and enjoys see- hard to not answer. I immersed myself in organisation. familiarise herself with SAMRO. To top it at the helm of the largest collective man- lenge. I love challenges.” ing her team win, grow and come together. yoga because I wanted to empty out a lot all off, she has been involved in intensive agement organisation on the continent. In fact, she talks about “team” often. of noise that was happening in my head. I Being a very lobbying against the controversial pro- Migogo’s rise to CEO of SAMRO is even “Getting to know the people, the SAMRO needed to receive the enlightenment,” she posed Copyright Amendment Bill. At the Often, over the past few weeks, Migogo more impressive considering that it was team – and not just the executive team, recently told Kaya FM. young black beginning of August, she led the SAMRO has spent her time meeting with her new only 12 years ago that she got her first but everyone, is important to me. We’re a delegation in presenting SAMRO’s objec- team as well as key stakeholders and taste of the corporate world. After com- team of about 200 people and I want to “It’s just a great practice to silence the woman, too, tions and concerns, in respect of the Bill, ensuring that she gives herself time to pleting her LLB degree, she joined Deloitte know all the people within the organisa- mind. It allows me to be selfish and say, to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and familiarise herself with SAMRO. To top it SA in 2004 as a Corporate Tax Consultant, tion,” she says. ‘these 90 minutes are mine’. You can’t makes it even Industry in parliament. all off, she has been involved in intensive where she gained experience and an un- make it far if you don’t have the ability to lobbying against the controversial pro- derstanding of corporate tax and interna- She speaks about a team pulling togeth- be selfish sometimes, because you will more extra- “The history of my appointment is not lost posed Copyright Amendment Bill. At the tional tax, as well as the audit function. er – without agendas and politics. She soon be depleted.” on me. It’s very special. It’s a moment in beginning of August, she led the SAMRO demanded to know of any instances of big- ordinary. history. But I just think of all the work that delegation in presenting SAMRO’s objec- In 2007, she joined Fleet Street Publi- otry, and promised it would be eliminated.

6 7 “The new name The passing of Paul sought to reflect that SAMRO was not just for South Africans but would Roos marks the be active throughout the region. The new organisation was a tribute to Gideon’s passing of an era sense of visionary commitment. “

Many of today’s SAMRO members may in Latin and Greek and, in 1932, an LLB. Towards the end of 1961, he left his and printing of the various forms, tariffs not know the history of the organisation Paul Roos, Gideon’s son, was later to say position as director-general of the SABC and licence forms in both (English and and the debt it owes to the Roos family. that although Gideon had studied classics to launch the South African Society of Afrikaans) official languages,” Paul later The passing of Paul Roos in March 2017 and law, his first love was the creative and Composers, Authors and Music Publishers, recalled. From there, SAMRO started to marked the passing of the last living son performing arts, and in 1933 he joined the SAFCA. A few months later it was focus on two main activities - organising of the legendary Gideon Roos, founder of African Broadcasting Company in Cape renamed the South African Music Rights its country-wide licensing operations SAMRO. At this time, it is appropriate for Town as a cub announcer. Organisation. Eight years later, through to run efficiently, and setting up its SAMRO to reflect on the three men, father a resolution adopted at a special annual documentation department that kept and sons, without whom it would not have general meeting, the name was changed the records of composers, authors and come into existence in the early 1960s. “the passing of Paul again, and so was born the Southern publishers as well as those of musical African Music Rights Organisation. The works. “In 1961, the future of SAMRO was to Roos brings to an new name sought to reflect that SAMRO hold many challenges but also numerous end the chapter that was not just for South Africans but would But Paul Roos rose through the ranks successes, and its full history has yet to be be active throughout the region. The new as SAMRO grew in size, reputation told, but the passing of Paul Roos brings started with its organisation was a tribute to Gideon’s and stature. Recalls Monica Seeber, to an end the chapter that started with birth. SAMRO owes sense of visionary commitment. His son currently the treasurer of the Academic its birth. SAMRO owes a debt of gratitude a debt of gratitude Paul remembered him as someone who and Non-fiction Authors’ Association of and honour to the founding fathers of the expected all his staff and colleagues to South Africa (ANFASA): “When I joined organisation,” says Abe Sibiya, SAMRO’s and honour to the work hard and make sacrifices where its staff, more years ago than I care to Acting Chief Executive Officer. This edited founding fathers of required. In its first financial year, which remember, Paul Roos was the chairman short essay about Gideon and his son ended on 30 June 1962, the new collecting of the DALRO board, having recently Paul, written by Sandile Ngidi, is in partial the organisation” society earned a total income of R192 000. retired as its managing director. I recall settlement of that debt, but only partial, as his presence at a workshop about the organisation itself, and the thousands The organisation initially rented three copyright, and being deeply in awe of his of composers and lyricists who have In 1937 Gideon became the first Afrikaans small offices at Cavendish Chambers near comprehensive knowledge of the subject benefited from it, is its own testament and English announcer at the new SABC, what was then the main Johannesburg and the authoritative yet unfailingly polite to the Roos family. SAMRO has been which had been formed in 1936, and he Post Office in Jeppe Street. There were manner in which he answered question home to many families and has served married “the promising soprano” (as Paul initially only three staff members: Pa Roos after question.” We at SAMRO extend our many families, of staff and of composers, Roos put it) Esther Mentz, who often sang himself, Pa’s former secretary at the SABC, condolences to Paul Roos’s loved ones as therefore we owe a debt of gratitude to on SABC radio. This love for his wife and and a messenger. Soon afterwards, Gideon we pay tribute to the family dynasty that SAMRO’s first family – especially to Pa for classical music saw Gideon translate recruited his sons to work with him. Paul, laid the foundations for the internationally Roos and his boys.Gideon Roos was born a number of operas and operettas into who joined the staff on 16 August 1961, renowned copyright asset management in Worcester in the Western Cape on 28 Afrikaans. was the administrative assistant to the society that we have become today, more October 1909. After attending school in general manager. “My first task was to than half a century later. Rest in peace, Stellenbosch, he studied at the University Gideon had a strong sense of service wade through all the files… then followed Paul Roos, and may the music continue to of Stellenbosch and obtained a BA degree to the music fraternity in South Africa. the redesigning, adaptation, translation follow you wherever you go.

8 9 The best artists don’t give us what we seasons. I mean, my favourite song that it was at our campus. I was a deeply shy want, but rather what we didn’t know Mam’ Letta and Bra Hugh do is ‘What is kid who played brave. I guess I’m still doing we needed. This certainly rings true of Wrong with Groovin’? but ‘Jikijela’ fitted in that as an adult. When you are a black Thandiswa Mazwai and her latest offering, so well with the narrative of the Fees Must kid growing up in a township it’s hard to Belede – a jazz tribute album that revisits Fall student uprising, in my view. dream, hard to visualise yourself in another some of South Africa’s classics. Another example would be , world with different circumstances. I have . whose music is some of the most a line on my song ‘Zabalaza’ which says: Among the attributes that set Mazwai incredible displays of vocal prowess, and I “If you take my hand I’ll show you how to apart are undoubtedly her soothing vocal could have tried some – with no success, dream.” delivery, her strong opinions and her image. I’m sure – but I chose ‘Wakrazulwa’ from It is not hard to see how she fostered such her final album because of a story she told Q: You’ve said that you never dreamed a close relationship with the late Busi me about that song on a trip to Réunion of being a famous musician. Does it still Mhlongo – one of the legends she honours before she recorded it. unsettle you to think that you are looked up on Belede. to by so many? Question: Do you have a favourite on the The album (which comes seven years album? Answer: Fame alienates. I have never after her second solo album, Ibhokwe) gotten used to it. also features classics including Dorothy A: My favourite is all of them but I play Masuka’s ‘Nontsokolo’, & ‘Kulala’ and ‘Wakrazulwa’ to an almost Question: You have been a vocal supporter The Union of South Africa’s ‘Mamani’ and obsessive level. Oh and ‘Westwind’, of the Fees Must Fall movement, which, Letta Mbulu’s ‘Jikijela’ – a song that still ‘Mamani’ and ‘Malaika’, and and... in the context of the music and media finds relevance in the modern South Africa. industry, could be viewed as being Question: You’ve also said you named the rebellious (a label you have embraced). We caught up with “King Tha” to talk about album after your mother in an attempt to Has this ever landed you in trouble with the significance of the latest album and her hold onto her memories and teachings. labels, sponsors or music fans? new sound. Does this also apply to the musicians who have inspired your progress as a singer/ Answer: I have been blessed that, in 21 Question: With Belede, you honour some songwriter? years, no label has ever tried to muzzle of the country’s greatest musicians and, me. And thankfully I have no sponsors, indeed, those who inspired you. But what Answer: I named it after my mother so nobody is worried about whether my led to the decision to record such an because she was the first rebel in my life opinions will affect their brand. Besides, I album? and she introduced me to the ideas that have become a lot more diplomatic after these musicians stood for. As I honour 21 years in this business (laughs). Answer: The intention behind doing this them, I also honour the spirit of the rebel, album changed over time. The most Belede. My mother died when I was 16 Question: Was it inevitable that we would visceral reason was pain. I had spent quite years old and she has been my obsession find ourselves back here, where the black a few years wrapped in a lot of that for ever since. youth is fighting for access to quality different reasons and I had begun to fear education, just as our forefathers did? the sound of my own voice. I always say Question: There has always been a hint when Mam’ Busi Mhlongo died, I felt like of nostalgia in your work, and reflection Answer: The continued political dissent everything should be silent. She was one of – positive or not – on times past. Since in South Africa was definitely inevitable my dearest friends and my musical master. we’ve just celebrated Youth Month, tell us because there has been no radical change What grew out of that pain was a need to what role music played then and, indeed, in the lives of the ordinary black person. honour some of these relationships and now in soothing bruised hearts? I’m reminded of the line: “What freedom is the mentorship that their music and spirit this that I have only the freedom to choose represented to me. Answer: I was born in 1976, so I have little my new chains?” idea of the role that music played back Thandiswa reclaims her Dr Hugh Masekela had at some point then. I know that the music that rebels It is acutely important that the students suggested that I do a kind of “songbook” sang was about the pain of being black don’t abandon their cause because of how and recommended a lot of music from and the struggle to free ourselves from it has highlighted such important ideas as early choral right up to Sophiatown and [that pain]. Today I am a musician and in the intersectionality of our struggle and music industry throne with beyond. Over time, I made my own choices my time I hope to create a space within my the true decolonisation of our education that resonated with the idea of tribute music for us to self-soothe and search for system and life experience. It is very while inserting contemporary concerns. understanding. important that the African child gets an empowering, Afrocentric education and songbook album Question: We were at the launch of the Question: With that in mind, we wonder that the African woman is freed from the album at the Theatre some time about your early days when you auditioned shackles and violence of patriarchy. back, where you talked about how tough for Shell Road to Fame. Did you ever TODAY I AM A MUSICIAN AND IN MY TIME I HOPE TO it was to pick which songs to cover. How foresee that you would become such an Question: What can we expect to see from many songs did you consider, and how did important voice, that you would be here Thandiswa Mazwai for the rest of 2017? CREATE A SPACE WITHIN MY MUSIC FOR US TO you finally settle on the nine-song track reminding us to uphold and celebrate the list? memories of the stalwarts of yesteryear – Answer:This year I hope to take the music SELF-SOOTHE AND SEARCH FOR UNDERSTANDING.” those who helped unshackle us? to all those who support it and, at some Answer: On selection: I chose the artists I point, I will go to the studio for my next wanted to honour and then chose the song Answer: I could have never imagined that project. I have already penned some songs. I felt best suited the whole intention of the my life would turn out this way. I was album. As you can imagine, these artists literally pushed, physically, by friends to do have vast catalogues with music for all the Shell Road to Fame audition because

10 11 DALRO, one of DALRO SAMRO’s subsidiaries, does vital work in licensing businesses celebrates to use copyright- protected words and images. This year, the organisation celebrates a remarkable 50 years in business. With that in mind, it is worth sharing DALRO’s story and raising awareness of the 50YEARS valuable work it does.

WHO IS DALRO? copying something if you host articles on WHY DO COMPANIES NEED TO GET right to make any copyright-sensitive use your subscription. Your company needs of the machine. When you pay a copyright The Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights your shared drive or intranet for others A DALRO BUSINESS LICENCE? of that work. Copyright law dictates that permission from the owner of the works. fee as well, you also pay for the content Organisation (DALRO) is a non-profit to view or, externally, on your corporate DALRO’s role is to make the process of the purchased copy may be read or oth- DALRO has been mandated by publishers – arguably the most valuable part of the organisation that provides licensing website and Facebook pages. This also gaining copyright approval from individual erwise enjoyed, and may be resold, given to give permission in a form of a licence. photocopied page. solutions to allow companies to use copy- includes printing out or emailing articles publishers easier. The licences act as an away or destroyed, but the work embodied right-protected words and images. Fees you receive from your public relations or insurance policy that protects organisa- in the copy may not be reproduced or pub- BUT SHOULD INFORMATION NOT BE from licences are paid to DALRO’s creator media monitoring agency. tions from breaching copyright. They also licly performed without a licence. FREE AND IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN? Contact DALRO at members. Copyright-protected works provide assurance that publishers are The royalties collected by DALRO find [email protected] to find include published books, newspapers, Is my organisation infringing copyright? being rewarded for their work and effort. I HAVE A SUBSCRIPTION FOR A their way back to the rights owners – the magazines, theatre scripts, paintings and The basic rule is that any organisation PUBLICATION. WHY DO I NEED A people who have, through their mental out about obtaining a scientific journals. that wishes to copy a published work will AM I STILL IN BREACH OF COPY- LICENCE? efforts, created the intellectual property comprehensive business need permission from the copyright owner. RIGHT IF I BUY THE BOOK I’M COPY- Organisations run on information, so it being consumed. Without reimbursement, licence, or visit www. WHAT IS COPYING? If your organisation reproduces articles, ING FROM? makes sense that activities involving shar- they have little incentive to go on creating, dalro.co.za for more Copying can mean anything from photo- either in print or digitally, and shares these Purchasing a copy of a work – such as ing and storing articles are part of your and there would be no information. In any information. copying articles to scanning and emailing internally or externally, it is likely infringing a book, scientific journal, magazine or a everyday business routine. But sharing case, no photocopied page is free: you pay them to colleagues or clients. You are also copyright if it does not possess a licence. newspaper – does not give the buyer the and storing activities are not covered by for the paper, the ink, the toner and the use

12 13 DUNCAN BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO THE OLD SCHOOL KWAITO SOUND

Duncan first stepped into the mainstream music space when he was featured by hip-hop star Zakwe on a track titled ‘Isukile’. Months later, the then new kid on the block recorded and shot a video for his street single titled ‘Khayalami’, featuring Prokid, Redbutton, Zakwe and Musa.

He had to work hard on his craft with his underground crew, 4051, before his patience and perseverance paid off. Duncan finally got his big break with the release of his hit single ‘Tsiki Tsiki’, which samples kwaito godfather Mdu Masilela. The song enjoyed high radio rotation before the release of his debut album, Street Government. Right there and then, his street cred was established and his career took off – and Duncan has never looked back. He continues to breathe life into the new sound that’s coming out of KwaZulu-Natal. Now a solo artist, he is grateful for all the work he did with the now-disbanded 4051 crew, describing it as his “training ground”. Although he knew that music was his calling, he admits that the impact of his first album’s “overnight success” was somewhat overwhelming and unexpected.

“I was able to take care of my mother, treat her well and put food on the table,” he says. “Street Government changed my life and I will hold it dear to my heart. The album opened doors for me; it really made me.”

Street Government produced several hits, including the catchy re-remix of ‘Tsiki Tsiki’, featuring Mampintsha, Professor and AKA, and ‘Mi Thatha’, featuring DJ Tira. Talking about the album, Duncan points out that it was a collection of the styles and influences he grew up listening to. His take on sampling is simple: he has no problem with it, as long as it’s done correctly. This means getting permission to rework the song, and crediting the author and composer of the original work. To him, sampling ‘Tsiki Tsiki’ was a sign of respect to Masilela and the kwaito greats who shaped the uniquely South African genre. Just as Duncan was helped by his friends and fellow artists when he started out, he is paying it forward by assisting aspiring underground artists to make it into the mainstream. He occasionally hosts musicians in his Skuva Nation initiative, encouraging artists to chase their dreams, much like he did. Duncan’s latest offering, Balaclava, hit the shelves recently and is doing well on iTunes. This one is a real treat for his fans and features collaborations with Kwesta, Ngane, WTF, Dreamteam, Nana Attah and many more.

14 15 JONATHAN SHAW IS AN ESTABLISHED AND MUSIC BUSINESS CONSULTANT AND LECTURER. THE THIRD EDITION OF HIS BOOK, THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC BUSINESS, IS AVAILABLE THROUGH ADA ENUP PUBLISHERS.

Well, in terms of South African law, adapt the work is exclusively held by the in this way. So, it’s a risky business to within the Copyright Act, we have what owner of the work. Imagine you now go go about sampling different recordings is known by the jargon “Mechanical and put a killer bridge part into an old unless you want to chance not being Rights”, allowing for the reproduction of favourite. If you were to add a bridge to able to clear them, but you can hope a song as long as it is unchanged by the another person’s music, it means you the rights holders see the commercial manufacturer. The thinking behind this are infringing on their rights. I always potential and strike a deal with you. clause, as outdated as it may seem now, flip this scenario around on people and Generally you’ll be asking for a royalty in is to make provision for the physical say: “Can I take your chorus and put it the new work which, if successful, can replication of songs on a disc or tape. in my song?” The objections abound as bring you earnings through mechanical The idea is that you record a song as soon as it’s your own precious creation. income, performance income from is, then put it on a CD or other physical If you really feel you have to use parts of SAMRO and being used in films, TV media such as cassette or vinyl, and someones else’s song, you would need shows and documentaries (known as manufacture it for distribution in stores. to approach the rights owner, usually synchronisation revenue). Mechanicals, as they are fondly called, a savvy music publisher, in order to WHAT THE LAW SAYS ABOUT allowed one record company to cover clear the usage of this new version of Another example is the spat between a song with a different singer, and the work. Adding to the complexity of DJ Pex and DJ Tira. DJ Tira, according automatically be granted permission to this, the law also gives the ownership to reports, took a 2011 vocal of Wendy use the song if they have notified the of this new piece to the owner of the Soni recorded by Pex for his track rightsholder and paid the applicable work that’s being changed. So, back ‘Ntokaz’enhle’ and used it in his own SAMPLING AND royalties. to the killer bridge part you wrote: as a dance track, ‘Intokazi’, in 2013. DJ Tira stand-alone piece of music it may be believed he had a verbal agreement The other thing the rightsholder of the yours, but as soon as you want to shove from DJ Pex to use the recording and song has, though, is that no one else it into an old favourite, you will first have music, and also had an SMS from DJ COVER VERSIONS can use it in this way until they have to face the music publisher to clear Pex saying he was allowed to use the decided where and how it’s publishing the adapted work and then also lose sample. There are no further reports on for the first time. It is a fairly involved ownership of the new work. The bridge what subsequently happened, but DJ process from a legal perspective, may be yours, but the bridge-plus-old- Tira may have overstepped DJ Pex’s but the organisation CAPASSO (the favourite would belong to the publisher. vague authorisation. DJ Pex’s publisher The late Pablo Picasso – a Spanish the same way. But if you are anything is exponentially worse, so much so that Composers, Authors and Publishers would possibly have all the rights painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, like me, then perhaps songwriting we have seen the rise and fall of the Association) is tasked with clearing To make things even more complicated, to DJ Tira’s music as an adaptation, stage designer, poet and playwright is not your strong point. Sure, I’ve recorded music business in the space mechanicals. So, as long as you don’t many new artists are “borrowing” little and can therefore control how it’s once said: “Good artists borrow, while come up with some ditties, but I’m far of a couple of decades. Anyone can change the song in any material way, all pieces of recordings they like and used. Take care when using someone great artists steal,” and many musicians more a purveyor of someone else’s get a recording of a song in seconds. you need to do to use it is to clear it. An splicing them together to make a new else’s intellectual property. Get the have tossed around ideas on how this strong accompaniment or melody While this describes the state of play in example of this in practice is the artist song. Nothing better than not having to proper clearances before releasing an philosophy can be applied when making line. Sometimes it’s just easier to selling records, the truth is that many Josh Groban covering Bright Blue’s create that amazing vibe yourself, right? adapted work and make sure you have music. Why come up with something use a great song than try to write performers have used songs written by struggle song ‘Weeping’ from Gallo Well, this not only creates an adaptation something in writing. On the other original when you can just take it from one yourself. Back in the early 1900s, songwriters other than themselves. It Publishers and Muffled Music in 2008. of the music that may be impossible to hand, it’s often hard to find information somewhere else? Almost everything this became a particular problem, was common practice from the 1950s Following its success in 1987, ‘Weeping’ clear with all the publishers involved, but on songs one would like to potentially we hear in music today has been highlighted through the development of to the 1970s for record companies to was covered numerous times by South the artist has now confounded the issue cover or sample, especially by new expressed, if not exactly, then in some the printing press and the piano roll. It take a song by one singer/songwriter African artists, with Groban’s production by also using another entirely different artists.Notify your songs with SAMRO warped rip-off. There are only 12 notes was all too easy to print or programme and give it to another, “better” artist team drawing on the backing vocals of copyright, that of the sound recording. and CAPASSO and clearly indicate your in the modern Western music scale, so a song instead of needing someone to who suddenly made the tune famous. and Vusi Using a sound recording now requires publishing information everywhere. It’s how could so many songs possibly have perform it. Suddenly, a song that was So many songwriters, perhaps you Mahlasela to record the song.Let’s say the clearance of the record company in your in interest, especially when it been written or played in so many ways? scarce through performance became included, have lamented the use of your you want to change or add something to that paid to make it in the first place. comes to earning the royalties you’re accessible to a wide audience through song by someone else. “How can they someone else’s song. The Copyright Act Also, note that a rights holder - be it a due, to have these details easily found Well, not all pianos are equal, not all technology. take my song?” we cry, when the law refers to this as making an adaptation musician or company - can just simply on your tracks, social media platforms hands so steady and not all brains think Fast forward to 2017 and the problem has evolved to allow just that. of the music or lyrics. This right to refuse to allow you to use their asset and website.

16 17 Multi- talented musos: Building your brand is the name of the game

Gone are the days of sticking to only one form Joao da Fonseca, better known as J’Something was born Unathi Msengana is a singer, actress, and TV and radio Anga Makubalo is a diversely gifted entertainer. He of artistic expression. Nowadays, musicians in the Algarve in Portugal. His family immigrated to South personality best known for hosting a show on Metro is a popular actor, model and singer best known for have various platforms and options available Africa, where he later met Mo-T and Dr Duda, forming FM’s drive-time show with Glen Lewis (a show she left his starring role as MJ Memela, the son of the vicious to them to spread their wings and showcase the hit-making house music trio Mi Casa. Their , in early 2017) and for being a judge on M-Net’s popular Mawande, in the SABC1 soap opera Generations. their many skills in showbiz. The opportunities Mi Casa Music and Mi Casa Su Casa, topped music charts reality singing competition, Idols, since 2011. Makubalo, also known by his music stage name are endless but with so much competition in and reached triple-platinum-selling status. But amid NaakMusiQ, is also athletic. When he was younger he the entertainment industry, lucrative deals the success of the group, J’Something had other ideas Over the years, she has collected a string of accolades. relocated with his mother to Johannesburg and, in can sometimes get dirty, causing some serious brewing. If you were to browse through his social media In 2003, she walked away with two awards at the 2003, was accepted at Edenvale High School on a sports rivalry in celebrity circles. pages, you would realise that he loves to cook and eat Metro FM Music Awards, for Song of the Year and Best bursary, participating in soccer, cricket, athletics and good food. In 2014, Something’s Cool (J’s creative agency) Dressed Artist. With two South African Music Awards rugby. But, managed correctly, branching out may announced a much-anticipated cooking show titled nominations, she has also shared the stage with not only serve as a creative outlet for an Something’s Cooking on Mzansi Magic. The 13-episode musicians such as John Legend and Youssou N’Dour. He attended acting and presenting classes at Talent artist’s multi-faceted talent but may also season was a success and reached more than two million In 2004 and 2005, she was named as one of the Top International and later became a part-time teacher at prove valuable for their brand and career viewers. In 2015, he hosted a second cooking show: a 10 people in Media by The Star newspaper and as the the same school, coaching and mentoring young people. advancement. This move can help them 13-part format called What’s For Dinner? on SABC 3 – this Most Promising Woman in Media at the MTN Media In 2009 he studied contemporary music at Damelin in reach a wider and more varied audience, time, more than 10 million people tuned in. The What’s Awards. Bramley, being taught by the likes of Benjy Mudie and RJ generating multiple revenue streams and, more For Dinner? partnership extended into radio, print, Benjamin. importantly, remaining relevant and at the top cooking classes and a digital strategy. She may have recently left Metro FM, leaving fans He made a guest appearance on the SABC1 show Mmino of their game in the industry. shocked and confused, but her followers can rest Mania in 2011, as a singer. From 2008 to 2009 he was a We’ve put together a list of some of the Between working on his music and shooting cooking assured that all is not lost as this multi-talented presenter on SABC2’s Hectic 9 Nine. He’s currently in the musos who’ve managed to make a successful shows, he also managed to partner with various brands powerhouse is exploring new horizons. In a recent popular telenova Igazi on Mzansi Magic. transition pursuing other interests within the as well as appear at Taste of Cape Town and the Good interview with Gareth Cliff on Cliff Central, Unathi industry and, in some instances, in unlikely Food and Wine Show – and has recently opened his own confirmed she is now an author, with a book on health places… Who knew they could do that? restaurant, Something’s Cooking with J, at Times Square, and self-acceptance due for release later in the year. Menlyn, in Pretoria.Having designed the South African Airways business class menu and being a regular feature in the media for his soulful recipes, he says it is exciting to be working on his first cook book and his third long- format cooking show for international distribution.

18 19 Palesa Nomthandazo That’s when, as she puts it, “the album I wanted my debut to be me introducing wrote itself”. myself to the world as I am without feeling Phumelele Modiga’s ID book like I needed to compromise myself – be already contains enough “I got inspired because us musicians often it my image, sound or aesthetic. I write names but if she could add get inspiration from the darkest things. It songs, I sing them, I produce them, I work was supposed to be the saddest time of with amazing musicians and I believe in one more, it would surely be my life, but ended up being inspiring. In being seen in this light.” Audacious. Her wardrobe that sense, the album crafted itself. The ZOE material floated out. I definitely owe that She continues: “Even the things I stand for could be described as to something a lot bigger than myself,” at this point in my life, I feel like it would bold – so, too, the album she reflects. She describes how she works be difficult for any corporate company to sleeve for her debut album, and how she learns as “unorthodox”, attach itself to that. I really want to change but this only serves to strengthen her the spaces I exist in. I have enough to do it Yellow: The Novel. But bold nonconformist identity. Modiga picked alone. It’s a lot of work but I have enough is too bland an adjective to herself up and auditioned for SAMRO’s in me to go it by myself. ”One thing is for MODI Overseas Scholarships Competition in sure: there are many who are rooting for describe this young star in 2015, only to win it. The competition, her to succeed. What does it mean to the the making. which boasts successful alums including young Modiga to have the endorsement pianist Bokani Dyer and bassist Benjamin of some of the biggest names in the Jephta (incidentally, both contributed to industry? “It’s more than heart-warming! Ours is a country blessed with boundless her 23-track album), has been held for I grew up listening to these people. As talents, yet in the music industry, even more than 50 years. much as I grew up listening and watching ingenuity is not always enough. It Beyoncé, I also had national examples like GA demands everything of those who dare call As one of the SAMRO Foundation’s Thandiswa, Lira, Simphiwe Dana and Boom themselves musicians, with no promise of flagship music education awards, the Shaka.” “So, having someone who has any rewards. It can provide musicians with competition rotates on a four-yearly opened a lot of doors for me without even the highest of highs and lowest of lows. It cycle, alternately rewarding vocalists, knowing that, and having them receive can chew you up and spit you out. Modiga instrumentalists, keyboard players my work like this, is a big deal. Anybody can list plenty of examples of some of (pianists and organists) and composers. would want to be attached to their kind of her idols who have witnessed their zenith But Modiga chose not to take up her brilliance.” and soon plummeted to the nadir of their scholarship immediately (she’s yet to), careers – , for one. because she wanted to audition for reality Another thing that is brilliant is this album TV singing competition The Voice on – from the imagery to the message, and of Yet, this Durban-born 23-year-old seems M-Net. She felt it would help “set up a course the music and vocals, which move more assured in her voice (and image) few things, career-wise”. There, she was from soaring to quiet, vulnerable, beautiful than most newcomers we’ve witnessed in mentored by multiplatinum-selling and and playful. It is a truly impressive, if the past. Something about her suggests award-winning singer Lira, who helped audacious, soul jazz album that reveals she will be just fine. see her “protégée” into the top eight of more layers of itself with each listen. the competition. The ‘Feel Good’ singer Modiga composed most of the songs She jokes that she wants to perform on the was at Modiga’s album launch at the across Yellow: The Novel’s two volumes, moon, or the planet Saturn, one day. Joburg Theatre’s Fringe venue in March, and put her own twist on Brazilian singer SHE DECIDED THAT “Okay, that might be far-fetched. I just and watched proudly alongside Modiga’s Flora Purim’s gorgeous and inspiring want to stay level-headed, and I know mother, and fellow songbird Thandiswa ‘Open Your Eyes You Can Fly’ and Winston IF SHE WAS TO SOAR that I am going to soar because I haven’t Mazwai. On Twitter, Mazwai would later tell “Mankunku” Ngozi’s ‘Yakhal’inkomo’. given myself any option not to,” she says. her followers that she knew the moment LIKE AN EAGLE, SHE Modiga, winner of SAMRO’s 2015 Overseas she first saw Modiga perform on TV that Scholarships Competition for jazz singers, she was destined for great things. WOULD HAVE TO began her long journey to Yellow: The Novel by attending the National School Several record labels tried to snap her up, of the Arts in Johannesburg, where she but eventually she decided that if she was trained in classical piano, clarinet and to soar like an eagle, she would have to fly singing. Following that, she enrolled at one solo. Yellow: The Novel was then released of the country’s best music schools, the independently. “When I look at