Renowned poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli has come out guns blazing accusing the SABC of being against him. His lawyer and spokesperson, Advocate Mphafolane Jerry Koma says Mzwakhe's albums are gathering dust at SABC libraries, waiting for his death.
FIGHTING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
A legal team led by Advocate Koma will proceed with legal action against the SABC for snubbing him and not playing his music. "This action is for future generations," says Mzwakhe. It is alleged that Advocate Koma specifically asked about the Vuka Darkie album and why it was not being played since it contains a couple of tracks that are not politically motivated or have strong language.
"Mzwakhe's production team worked very hard producing the songs on Vuka Darkie. He wanted inter alia to honour fellow South Africans that were doing well such as Trevor Noah, Robert Marawa- who had several fights with the SABC -and former Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi."
VENDETTA AGAINST PEOPLE'S POET
Astatement issued by the artist, reads " On the 28th January 2023 Mzwakhe Mbuli was driven by Adv MJ Koma to perform the Mampuru song at the Annual Commemoration of Kgoshi Mampuru II at Mamoni in Limpopo where he shared the platform with Minister Naledi Pandor. Few years ago members of the Royal family of King Mampuru II visited Mzwakhe Mbuli house in Jozi, led by Advocate Koma.The Royal family requested the People's Poet to compose a tribute song for Kgoshi Mampuru II, whose remains were never found after he was hanged naked without underwear at the gallows in 1883."
It is said that was when Mbuli reminded Advocate Koma that the SABC does not play his new album.
Advocate Koma says, "The SABC vendetta against the People's Poet is tantamount to apartheid censorship and persecution on Mbuli,whose music was totally banned by the regime. History is repeating itself, this is reopening wounds of the past. Mzwakhe Mbuli's lyrics speak the truth yet people are deprived of his uncompromising music. Mzwakhe says, 'The Freedom Charter says that the 'Doors of Arts & Culture shall open' but the SABC is doing the opposite'."
SABC RESPONDS
Mmoni Seapolelo, Acting Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Marketing at the SABC says, "The SABC would like to refute the allegations that the SABC is not playing Mr. Mzwakhe Mbuli's music. Mr. Mbuli is one of the prominent South African artists and a lot of his songs have been playlisted over the years... It must also be noted that all music submitted to the SABC is subjected to each station's music policy and selected by a music committee".
