Calling for unison
Local artist pleads for DJs to give them equal airplay as they do with international music in clubs and at parties, to help get their music to reach the masses.
It is not news that local DJs have a reputation of not playing local artists' music, especially in clubs.
Singer Zulu from award-winning group Ama-Daz-Floor believes this is due to ego, beef and lack of research.
The musician experienced it for himself when he was at a local chilling spot and asked the DJ to play his song which was right for the session, mood and moment.
“I gave him my USB with the track which was not yet out, mind you. This was a perfect opportunity because people go out to have fun and to listen to music too.
“The DJ only played international songs and when I reminded him he still didn't play the song until I left very disappointed,” said Zulu.
Zulu says that many DJs have too much pride which could be a reason as to why they don't play local music and the lack of DJs not doing enough research on local artists to keep up with the latest music.
“I think it is also caused by unnecessary beef and just because they don't like you personally they punish you though your music. The thing they don't realise is that they are not playing for themselves but for the crowd,” said Zulu.
The lack of many DJs not playing local music has a negative effect on local artists according to Zulu as DJs reach masses of people at the same time and this helps to create awareness of the songs.
“It bothers me when they play international music. This is a contributing factor as to why many people don't know our songs.
We have to meet each other halfway and promote our talent.
“If this exercise is done with every Namibian song it will be worth it,” he said.
He says strict rules and regulations should be implemented that allow local DJs to play 80% local music and the public should speak up when they notice that local music is not played as often as international music at parties and clubs.
June Shimuoshili
Singer Zulu from award-winning group Ama-Daz-Floor believes this is due to ego, beef and lack of research.
The musician experienced it for himself when he was at a local chilling spot and asked the DJ to play his song which was right for the session, mood and moment.
“I gave him my USB with the track which was not yet out, mind you. This was a perfect opportunity because people go out to have fun and to listen to music too.
“The DJ only played international songs and when I reminded him he still didn't play the song until I left very disappointed,” said Zulu.
Zulu says that many DJs have too much pride which could be a reason as to why they don't play local music and the lack of DJs not doing enough research on local artists to keep up with the latest music.
“I think it is also caused by unnecessary beef and just because they don't like you personally they punish you though your music. The thing they don't realise is that they are not playing for themselves but for the crowd,” said Zulu.
The lack of many DJs not playing local music has a negative effect on local artists according to Zulu as DJs reach masses of people at the same time and this helps to create awareness of the songs.
“It bothers me when they play international music. This is a contributing factor as to why many people don't know our songs.
We have to meet each other halfway and promote our talent.
“If this exercise is done with every Namibian song it will be worth it,” he said.
He says strict rules and regulations should be implemented that allow local DJs to play 80% local music and the public should speak up when they notice that local music is not played as often as international music at parties and clubs.
June Shimuoshili
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Namibian Sun
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