There's music in the air

Music is undoubtedly one of the finest crafts everywhere in the world and just how far are artists prepared to go in satisfying their listeners. The world is revolving and as such the music industry has had to keep up with the pace.

As glamorous as this industry is, it will not be fair if I don't mention the hardship that goes with it. In Europe, United States to be precise musos are enjoying the limelight and sky rocketing sales but in our country it's a complete different story.

Each and every country take pride in their own type of music as it defines them and sets them apart from others therefore it is with sadness that one of the proudly South African music genre 'Kwaito' has been hit by a slump that it is as good as been considered dead. This kind of music which was a hit back in the 90s made waves and proved that indeed we too can be creative. Kwaito's downfall was a result of certain musicians who couldn't refrain from using profanity in their lyrics and those who would sing a one-liner from start to finish, who in their right mind will fork out seventy rands to purchase an album that contain twelve tracks with only two songs that are worth listening to?

The introduction of House music in our country saw remixes of some of the good music pity because the pioneers were at times not consulted let alone received royalties for their work.

Creativity is one of the key elements when it comes to surviving, all the energy, time and dedication put into producing an album only for it to be pirated really is depressing. In our shores creativity is often compromised which is why album sales hardly reach platinum and one hit wonders are contributing a lot. It's all about quick-buck which I believe is disrespecting the audience big time.

Just recently a well-known disc spinner sampled a great classic on his album without permission and is reluctant to pay what is due and looking back on his musical background he is no stranger to such stuff; the very same deejay once made a mockery of a payoff line of a banking institution that funded a jazz festival. So, you tell me which direction our music industry is heading?