Zakes Bantwini: Respect Hlaudi For 90% Music Rule

Grammy Award-winning star Zakes Bantwini has dropped a hot take that is shaking Mzansi music industry.

The Osama hitmaker says South African musicians must give respect to former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng for what he did with local radio.

Zakes said this during a recent media roundtable when they asked him what radio stations need to do to support local music.

What Zakes Bantwini Said About Hlaudi Motsoeneng

According to Zakes, before Hlaudi’s controversial 90% local music quota, many SA radio stations sounded too American.

But after the 90% rule, everything changed.

“Because the radio was never the same after 90%. There were so many radio stations that were so American when you listened to them before that 90%. But after the 90%, even though it was scrapped, there was proof of concept that South Africa can listen to its own music,” Zakes said.

“Today, South Africa sounds like South Africa, you know, and one can never take that away.”

The 90% local music rule was introduced by Hlaudi Motsoeneng when he was SABC boss. It forced public radio stations to play 90% South African music. The policy was later scrapped, but Zakes believes the impact remains.

It’s About Economy, Not Just Music

Zakes said supporting local music is not just about entertainment – it is about the economy.

He explained that when a local musician blows, it creates jobs for producers, dancers, lawyers, accountants, stylists, and publicists.

The star also advised upcoming artists to go to school, understand how radio works, and always get a lawyer before signing any contract.

This statement comes just 33 minutes ago and is already causing debate online. Many fans agree that after the 90% rule, SA music like Amapiano, Afro-house and Gqom started dominating airwaves.

The Zakes Bantwini Hlaudi Motsoeneng debate has divided fans on whether the 90% rule really saved SA music.

Do you agree with Zakes Bantwini? Should artists thank Hlaudi Motsoeneng? Let us know in the comments.