SA Bands suck?

Why is it that we are so surprised when we hear a good song on the radio and someone says "You know that is a South African artist singing?”

It seems we live in a society where being Proudly South African is only acceptable in certain aspects or it is just a myth to some. When I was younger, the only South African music I knew about, or was exposed to through the media, were Afrikaans "sokkie", traditional African music and Kwaito. R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz and Rock were not well-known genres of South African music back then. Yet, it is amazing to see how the South African music industry has evolved over the past two decades. The talent in South Africa has begun to shine more and more every single year. The sad thing though is that the industry is not receiving the recognition they deserve.

SA bands and individual artists of all genres are gracing the world’s most renowned stages with their amazing talent. They are respected and admired the world over – My thoughts immediately go to Ladysmith Black Mambazo who continuously do our nation pride each year at the Grammy Awards ceremony. Loyiso and Danny K have showcased their talent at many prestigious events world wide and let’s not forget the amazing talent within our Rock genres namely Seether and The Parlotones. But the talent has not only emerged now, it’s been around for decades and respected by the world – Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, The Rockets and the Soweto String Quartet – these are the people who layed the stepping stones for all SA’s future artists.
South Africa has definitely got talent right?

With all that being said, how is it possible to even utter the words “SA bands suck!” or hear a good tune on the radio and be shocked to know that it was a South African performing that song?

We need to start giving our artists the respect and appreciation they deserve, wouldn’t you agree? Come one come all music lovers and let’s put on our dancing shoes to some SA beats!