Maria McCloy
THIS year kwaito producer Arthur Mafokate won’t be on stage at the South African Music Awards (Sama) simulating anal sex with his dancers in a big diss to the record industry like he did in 1996. Despite the fact that he entered acts from his 999 stable for the 1997 awards, a week before the event on April 26, he’s withdrawn his best known act, Abashante, nominated in the best newcomer category.
Arthur’s label released Abashante, Stitch and New Skool, all of whom are marketed and distributed by record company CCP. Only Abashante were nominated. He says the awards have not corrected their bias against smaller, independent labels.
Last year his album Kaffir was not nominated at the Sama’s. At the time, he commented in the Mail & Guardian that he was forced by CCP to attend awards that “did not reflect what’s happening in the country. The year before I thought `Oh, they made a mistake, but this year they’ll correct them’.” It appears his argument this year is the same.
Sama Official Fitzroy Ngcukana says Association of the South African Music Industry (Asami) was formed by record companies who’ve been operating for years. He dismisses claims of racism, saying: “These black guys have come through with sweat and tears and hard work … but they should stop crying that everyone is against them.” He reckons the independents need to build up their administrative skills, stop fighting among themselves and “analyse how they can be a force and stop complaining bigger companies don’t love them”.
But one journalist approached for comment this week did say that monopolisation of the industry is a factor and that this would reflect on the awards because “big boys still pull the strings in the music industry.”
However, CCP/EMI managing director Harvey Roberts says if the awards were just a showcase for major companies, independents would not be allowed to enter. Signs of a domestic problem between CCP and 999 seem to exist, considering Roberts claims Abashante are not pulling out – they’re just not appearing at the ceremony.
“That’s what they’re claiming,” says Arthur. “But me and CCP are not one and the same thing … whatever Sama give us we’re not accepting.”
Promoter Peter Tladi was surprised to hear Abashante were being withdrawn. He says all CCP artists met (Arthur and Abashante included) to draw up a list of grievances about the awards. Tladi, Spokes H and Arthur were to meet with Frida Louw, Sama chairperson of the organising committee. Arthur did not turn up.
Many people have noted Arthur’s prowess in manipulating the media, and couldn’t help but wonder if this latest development was another publicity stunt.
Don Laka (head of Kalawa Jazzmee who’ve also refused to enter the awards for similar reasons) has a solo album signed to Sony, but when he saw he was entered in the competition, he made it clear way before judging started that he did not want anything to do with them – unlike Arthur who made the announcement a week before the ceremony.
The CCP demands include: increased artist involvement in judge selection; categories that reflect the local music spectrum; and the inclusion of public participation in deciding the nominees. Sama official Fitzroy Ngucana says the awards are young and will change as complaints are addressed.