The Dark Music Industry of South Africa: Selling Souls for Fortune and Fame

[@Mr.paillant]

Literally just watched the video yesterday, and today I see the news that Zahara has passed away at the age of 36 due to alcoholism and liver damage… so sad, rip Zahara, and I hope someday this corrupt system is abolished, as soon as possible 🙏🏾

[@jovictor9064]

I’m an black first generation American and I’m unfamiliar with any of these songs or artists- but what amazes me is how similar the exploitation of these artists are the same as in the US… it’s always been that way here record labels are notorious for slave driving when it comes to artists. It looks like these labels are following the same playbook. I don’t understand why in today with all the information out there anyone would still decide to sign to a label. Learn music marketing, and build your fan base up on your own- it will always cost less

[@thulanithamane6836]

I hear you, Music Marketing ❤❤❤, thank you for this advice...

[@kapambwekapambwe4131]

The music industry is just like any other industry. Even jobs today act like record labels. The cashier at absa handles millions on a daily basis in deposits and withdraws only to get paid peanuts at the end of the month. You honestly just have to choose your battle and pick who you're comfortable exploiting you.

[@khotsoratsiu]

There’s no comfort in being exploited brotha

[@Andile_PoloB]

But at least at absa they don't tell you to praise the devil 👍🏽 so it's really not the same

[@Chi__22]

​@@Andile_PoloBTrue.

[@loyisomakwela2811]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Bishop11111]

Not necessarily, cashiers are replaceable. Top talents have rare skills. But I guess it all leads down to the same question: do you truly know the business?

[@purityandholiness]

The editing here is amazing. Amazing content, creative. And also amazing content in terms of awareness

[@allisonkimuli9342]

It’s mid asf

[@southafricanpowerbackovert8576]

Thank you. We need more these platforms in south Africa

[@kwasinimako]

Glad you touched this topic, one thing that always makes me happy is Emtee’s comeback. Man’s been through it all. As a Ghanaian 🇬🇭 roll up was played everywhere back in high school. Trust me when I say this the music industry is shiesty af, it’s everywhere. As a young artist myself, it’s really easy to blow up these days. Let your song shoot through the algorithm through TikTok and Instagram reels and record labels will be chasing you like a horny dog, but remember, stay vigilant and independent through paid distribution, learn music law and everything music ✌🏾 GOOD LUCK TO ALL STRIVING ARTISTS. Great video bro 🔥

[@johnnybravo6951]

Doesn't matter whether you like YoungstaCPT, Doesn't matter whether you hate YoungstaCPT, You *GOTTA* respect him. His come-up, the way he moved as an artist, the way he broke into the mainstream, and the integrity and ownership he has over his lyrical content and the art that he creates. No machine behind him, no favoritism towards him, no industry friends, no selling out. Independent for over a decade. How can someone NOT respect that?

[@thembinkosidube3918]

1 Africa. God bless Thank you 💕

[@debraburton9146]

Omg This Evilness Need to stop,,,,All Around The Board,,Lord Knows😮

[@BonnieMotha-fp4jr]

Tjooo😮😮😮😮this is scarry...anyway i believe God will interven...He cant leave all the crooks to get away with breaking the hearts of musicians&their family and us fans...theid day of exposation and doomsday on earth is coming😢thanks for clarifying all about the music industry...i used to watch a d follow te episodes of EMPIRE movie o TV ...ja is waar its a very dangerous industry,dark as ustated it🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@QhayiyaCobo-ts9me]

​@@johnnybravo6951 Same as Shane Eagle.

[@sifisosithole4106]

Dope video, this artist must learn to own they own masters and publishing, say no to 360 deal

[@petejackson7976]

If you don't want to outlive your children , make sure they avoid the music and other entertainment industries etc like a plague. That is the devil' s domain and does not fail to come and collect souls after messing up an oath.

[@kellym5930]

What oath?

[@Rugged1520]

A+ in English class for you lol. This is definitely an eye opener . We know its shady but we never know the tricks they play, and boy they got many. Great job man . One time for the mind, giving sight to the blind.

[@luceafricana2232]

So wonderful,so many young generation now,want so hard,to be musicians and become famous, they don't know the price.I just pray for them,i really cried,what they did to my Brenda fassie and Zahara😭😭😭

[@alltruth881]

I just subbed. Greetings from Malawi man. i like your eloquence and the fact you are touching on real issues.

[@rayted9073]

Same here in Kenya people are selling souls for money and fame .And I believe its alos present in Nigeria,Uganda and Tanzania

[@kevinryt4963]

Give examples of specific people in Kenya who have done that don't just yap

[@rayted9073]

@@kevinryt4963 You have 👀 dont you ? You have internet Right ? Do your home work .I have done mine

[@Kushy36]

With the introduction of the use of technology, changing how the business of music is run I thought things will change, allowing more and more artist their independence. Artist should be able to do run their own businesses than wanting to belong under label. Once again, thank you for your amazing work! Kudos to you fam!!!!

[@iamchachoucha]

Did and will change the run of business. That's why they got everyone confortable to give away their publishing and masters. Everything flat fees 😭 bye bye royalties and ownership

[@llsss777]

​@@iamchachoucha Literally it's so sad masters is everything to an artists and to see ignorant people who have no prior business knowledge give it away is sad.

[@Gopolangkgafela]

your edits are on another level💌💯

[@sibusisogolifili3527]

Bro! 💯

[@gundomatumba191]

This shows just how messed up the industry is even our very own is just as messed up. It's sad to see how humbling they started back in the day and all of a sudden they have this demonic possession in their music videos (snakes, black birds and lizards etc.), it's really messed up for real.

[@Chronic_Jaz]

Selling your soul is enslaving yourself to a master...which is what artists do...the solution is building your own power circle 🔵🔴✨

[@magikindian]

Enslave others instead of being enslaved yourself

[@vee12137]

Not easy

[@akubuirocharles3390]

It's more Spiritual than Physical. U undergo rebirth and once they die they become demons enslaved to the family they are bound to.. Empire makes their Artist sign with blood. Taking blood oaths. In Nigeria, every big artist belongs to a confraternity. WizKid and Davido have beef steadily cos both dieties they serve are sworn enemies..

[@michaelikmwaba3738]

Respect for the time and effort put in this video learnt alot fam 🇿🇲♥️🙏

[@ronaldsimate8404]

Music industry breda is wack

[@LILREMAlNS]

you're underrated my brother. the way you word things is very poetic and eloquent - i think that deserves to be pointed out.

[@thepipedreamer89]

Some literally sell their souls by sacrificing their loved ones. Kanye West openly said he sacrificed his mom and mentioned a lot others who did the same.

[@eksbits6493]

this was well put together.. you're good bru & you've just earned my subscription 🙌

[@smokeyatmosphere7273]

Eish this video is so professional, excellent work fam

[@collenmoyo659]

television in SA is owned by a company named naspers which is basically national party. YOU'LL be amazed how much influence they carry. im just saying if you wanna help start there

[@tshepogazamaseko5422]

No more SABC ?

[@divinepogiso4227]

>> Wow I'm impressed by your work my dawg . Super well spoken and clean edits indeed . Much respect big homiie ♥️🏆.°

[@rainbow_static1]

You took the time to make this video and it shows - Thank you❣

[@eneodu3755]

My goodness! You have a career awaiting you in video editing.👌🏾👌🏾

[@xadenseraph]

Thank you so much for this video. You've shown me a different side.❤😮😊

[@jntshinga2164]

The most powerful YTvideo I've watched in a while.

[@lila44411]

This was so excellently done and edited, we'll done ❤

[@allisonkimuli9342]

I’ve seen better

[@lostcreators]

Beautiful articulation of a really dark and muddy reality of our loved artists! Amazing video Brother.

[@eastafrika728]

It's not a dark industry, it is a bunch of thugs within the music industry, men who are not in it for music but are predators.

[@daz1876]

Thanks for touching on the payola. The real reason why music and talentless artists are being promoted. We all know the billboards make no sense and its starting to be so obvious that its all being manipulated so that we can all be brain washed. Thats why i dont bother with any new music, not because im getting older but because the music nowdays does not make any sense and the messages behind the music are nonexistent. When last have you seen any motivational or a song about sturggles in life end up in the top 10?

[@ZeldaMolefe]

Very true 👍

[@sssensei.x4]

another thing to blame is also the artists’ knowledge and education about the contracts they’re signing. The companies will take a huge cut because they provide amenities such as houses, all expense paid trips, cars, and marketing. Artists usually fall for these without paying attention to how much they will be receiving from streams. Then blame the labels that they aren’t getting paid enough.

[@masase19]

True this is also another perspective

[@israeloagiledintlhe4166]

Well they could seek legal advice, but when they're starting out they can't afford that and they're mostly fuelled by their desire to get their family out of poverty, and this is true for most blacks cause most of us grew up in poverty🤷🏾‍♂️...

[@magikindian]

Artist is just another name for dumb dumb. A very successful entrepreneur once told me that.

[@magikindian]

​@@masase19That shit happens all the time.

[@magikindian]

​@israeloagiledintlhe4166 they don't help their families first. They normally help themselves first, and normally blow their down-payment on the first day of collecting

[@Jenny_B6912]

Emtee's strory broke my heart and i am so elated to see him come out victorious. He deserves his success and all the good thats still to come. I wish the same for fifi cooper and all other artists that have been through similar ❤

[@Tyric01]

Keep dreaming

[@Jenny_B6912]

@@Tyric01 👍🏽

[@yasheenmahabeer]

Mama Brenda Fassie, that's where my eyes started opening up on the Sh*t on whats happening in the South African music industry when she was admitted to hospital, RIP to a real South African music Icon

[@akhonanxumalo9016]

That Flabba in the pic😮😂..great content Brada❤

[@cathynyagari2107]

Just came across your channel by chance. Excellent commentary, keep it up! Love from Kenya ❤

[@siyandankundla-mgudlwa1888]

Your craft reminds me of James Jani. You are very good, keep it up.

[@loyisomakwela2811]

What artists need to know it's costs implications of their lifestyle, clothes, cars, properties, studio time. It all takes management's money to maintain all of that n they forget it.

[@magikindian]

Why would these entertainers need to know anything? They were born to be exploited.

[@mbonenimbokazi9913]

Bro your word play is superb. It has a small element of poetry. I subscribed instantly.

[@katemashika]

Thanks for this video,,, it has opened my eyes...it makes so much sense as to why most of these artists are so depressed , and end up committing suicide....

[@gregsmith1584]

I came here to learn how to invest after listening to a guy on a television program about the importance of investing and how he made $10,000 in a day with $500, somehow this video has helped shed light on some things, but I'm still confused, I'm a newbie and I'm open to ideas.

[@pauljamescarr5113]

That's true and you can imagine the profits people are making daily by just trading stock market or crypto

[@elizabethella2249]

Yeah, and I believe so But I believe trading with an expert is stress free and profitable

[@marypeggy8172]

I started investing when I was 31, mostly through sweat equity. I just turned 32 and this last month was the first time that my passive income broke $100k for the month. This is solid advice! DO IT!

[@marypeggy8172]

You don't have to get rich quick, you just have to get RICH no matter what.👍

[@matthew4648]

​@@marypeggy8172Interesting. I've a lump sum doing absolutely nothing at all in my bank account, i wanna gets something started with it. You seem to be doing excellent for yourself, how do you achieve this?

[@iyalodechipi6189]

Thank you so much for all this information being exposed. Some of us God saved us before we were even initiated I may not be famous and all but I swear I thank God everyday for my life ...Jesus is my anchor and I am glad

[@anthonygithinji8300]

@Casper Nyovest , I really appreciate your effort to show how big and bad the music labels are in South Africa or the World. I will answer one question u hv asked about brokenness and the drug abuse. First the sign-in a deal with the devil phrase actually came from literally someone signing deals with the Devil by selling their soul for fame... This is documented in lots of places.

[@Siphe753]

Good staff, your channel is going very far. Keep up the good work👌

[@curiousBash]

thank you brother

[@toneotone4813]

Quality content keep it up…❤ (Subbed)

[@xuboyunreleased]

Damn bro, you got some nice content here 👌🏽

[@curiousBash]

😄😄😄😄 😅 very much appreciated. I'm glad you found it somehow. stay tuned in for more 😜

[@langa_rsa]

This video only made me more aware of the soul behind music. Indeed, behind every note is a story. PS: As a South African, I'm truly impressed with the quality of this channel's production. South African YT tends to disappoint in production quality. Keep it up 💯💪🏾👍🏾

[@CleanKenya]

this is such an intelligent podcast. I appreciate the work that has gone into it

[@raven_sa]

i don't comment often but the one thing i will tell you is that your Video editing skills are off the charts, you are a smart individual and unlike a lot of SA channels i've seen this is some journalist level type of shit and keep doing what you are doing... You are changing the fate of our country by doing this, you just gained a follower. big up

[@shaunwordplay3111]

I feel sorry for people who don't know record labels were started by mob bosses money laundrying and it hasn't gotten better since besides being able to do it independently. A record label is bank, what you are signing is a loan.

[@figo007tv]

Folks like being in the spot light, until they get P Diddied, or shot

[@magikindian]

Sounds like every other business out there. We dont feel sorry for any of them. Not many professions out there where you can drink, smoke, have sex with who ever you want and be put up on a pedestal for very little effort. We feel sorry for the humans who have to work all their lives in regular jobs to maintain a family. Those entertainers don't really matter.

[@taye_highxnburg047]

I needed this bro👑🤟

[@accidentbwoy7503]

Great research Breda,and such a Kool information,it's an eye opener to all of us who expect silver and gold from music industry yet it's all fake promises. Imagine Breda fussy with all those archivements and at the end of the day,she was broke and struggling with addictions. Bull shit to those who miss leads the young talents into devil missions.

[@FREEDYITHEREALKING]

AMEN JESUS CHRIST WE LOVE U BRO,CONTINUE BEING HONEST LIKE THIS ON YOUR CONTENT.

[@qapelabeadwork]

Bro I can listern to you all day.... I currently in the office working while listening to this❤

[@Snoodscape]

Finally! A South African youtuber that speaks good English.

[@profpuffofficial2]

because english isnt even their most common language? and might wanna learn english yourself

[@randombro89]

as an American Americans butcher English too. Especially in the south I feel like I need a translator lol

[@lornahouston8607]

Can you speak any South African language other than English?

[@78942m]

Artist must learn not be desperate while they are still working on their craft and have another way of creating income. They should learn how to become their own family and create their own business laws that will work for them as entertainers, it won't be easy but it's better than giving a Label their own destiny.

[@TeezyK]

These record labels steal our destinies. Find streams of income to finance yourself. 🔥💯

[@serioustalkwithbhudax]

This is why I've set myself to create a fair system but the road is pretty lonely. People think I'm attempting to establish something impossible although I know it is not.

[@callmewhoever]

Fire content keep it up u hace potential to grow bigg. I subbed n m looking 4ward to more content

[@tagzwilder]

Honestly as an artist my self i try to focus on getting a bag from anything else rather than the music to prevent a situation where im forced to sign a bad deal cause i need the money hence i choose to over look how enslaving the deal is which is usually the case with most upcoming artist. But hey who am i to say this i havent been offered a deal anyway. All and all great video bruv.

[@TeezyK]

I like how you think

[@figo007tv]

They use artists as sexual deviants. You’re aware of that

[@djblondi138]

i agree im also a new music artist i don't care about money, likes or views as long as i can share my music im satisfied ...non demonic music

[@llsss777]

Understand the music business, treat it like a business, stay independent, own your masters, never sign a deal you don't understand or get a non-industry lawyer, you will have to invest to earn. Every business owner has to do it, the music business & artists are no different. That's life unless you want to give up your freedom & slave away like employees in music and other industries. Easier said than done, but with the help of social media it is possible to get a grip

[@isoftenterprise]

Well put together 🔥💯

[@dumisaninxumalo7574]

Ambitious Entertainment is owned by the ANC and will never be held accountable for their breach of contacts

[@Africatimesnewspost]

Thanks for educating us as an artist this has helped me keep of record labels and start it my self it's hard but it's worth it managing your own dream😂😂🎉🎉😅

[@djhuiti100]

Good for you King. Im on the independent route too. I'd like to hear your music.. maybe we can collab.

[@real_ghost_da_djy]

I'm highly motivated bro😢🙏

[@justforphone1318]

Tyla needs to beware and have good people behind her.

[@llsss777]

For tyla it's a slowly but surely thing. Epic owns her masters she's finished unless she did not sign a 360 deal & can pull herself out of "debt" & make enough profit & income to fight for her rights as an artist. And possibly maybe she can manage to not go overly sexual & the d word with her music then she can be rectified. Tyla definitely has a journey to embark on

[@carolchuma1]

Very informative, thanks for making this video.

[@davidmashiku6981]

Your content is on point. Congratulations keep it up

[@404GameAndMusicProducer]

reason why here in the united states i am a independent music producer and music composer i only work through distribution labels and sync opportunities i am with BMI so i own 100% of my shares and royalites

[@That2003show]

This is a amazing video bro

[@Keamogetswe_1]

True that emtee roll up was big almost like national anthem. Still crazy how ambitious did their artists dirty. Happy that emtee is independent artist and makes good music.

[@TeezyK]

"Record labels acting like Suge knight"- AKA SA artist's will continue to die "mysteriously".

[@999DaysToRiches]

Why are you in 23 k subs man you should be at 1 million by now because you are so good .

[@blankmedia01]

Great visual and content quality. Keep pushing

[@zombomjembu7957]

Woooow,what a sad reality😢😢😢

[@Blessingmohloki]

The guy is correct I actually one victim from the kingdom of darkness exposing all this ........(Life is spiritual....)..

[@bashatoteng1944]

The records labels model is of a bank. They finance and the artist pays principle,interest and prime.

[@DJLadyLE8304]

I don’t know why I thought it didn’t happen in Africa. Wow it’s really sad what the entertainment industry does.

[@Bored4life517]

So what abt Tyla? Will she be okay or she's already taken?

[@liamkingrecords]

I'm tryna make it on my own

[@freedamitch9485]

Wow my brother truth hurts don't it ? I'm glad that artists are waking up all over the world and the truth being told

[@Bishop11111]

Just a note on the breaths or breathing in between your speaking. You can remove them post or practice speaking while minimising heavy breath. When a production is so high quality in so many areas, the little things start to stick out. In other words I acknowledge how clean your production already is, so clean that it is now easy to see the little things. Congratulations and God bless!

[@khonadladla2780]

soul phenduka but my bru i love your podcast but, even when you're on yfm radio i used to be your follower and used to listen to you and your co-host Adarose, but now im amazed as an up artist, i believe and belong to god Jesus god holy spirit and chose jesus as my lord and SAVIOUR may you please invite me to your podcast. because i have sent my C.Ds to yfm SABC fm studios. and again i love your podcst. my name is dj Nkebs #THAT NIGA. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE

[@DRYcya]

super great video bro, this is very informative

[@lesegomacnificent6316]

Boss production, high quality

[@Oarora]

Long Live Riky. You weren’t perfect but you were special. ❤

[@SiphoSebati]

Thanks for putting the truth out there in the socials

[@DawgyWoof]

You got a poetic voice bro Great content 👌🏽

[@molemo_raps]

Yourll forget what record labels are, Businesses.

[@iceman3193]

The point is Record labels are not fully honest to artists when they approach them. They find artists in a state where they are not well informed about the business side of music and tell them more about the fame and fantasies after signing . They don't involve lawyers and most of the artist are found broke so they cant hire lawyers also. They pretend to care about you and your journey, but all they about is the money afterwards

[@llsss777]

​@@iceman3193A lot of them would have entered the music business better if they just went to school or do a simple Google search

[@godfreegrant1966]

Great documentary very understanding although I new everything that glitter is not gold in this world I didn't realise how bad the music industry was until I watched your documentary

[@brukemashile1262]

Music industry is one hell of a business, so much is happening and at the end of the day, it leaves so many artists frustrated and vulnerable. There's nothing wrong with music business, But greedy and selfish behavior is a major concern, producers or companies ripping off hardworking artists, and also introducing them to substance abuse as a way of getting them under their remote control... Music industry is something else, But we have to take the risks, otherwise, there's no hope to gain..

[@lieutenantjodi]

One would say "I should sympathize with the artist for signing deals that don't benefit them" but let's be honest with ourselves. Anyone in this world is not getting what they deserve despite the work that they do, not even a bare minimum wage to sustain their lives. I sympathize more with the person who works on the streets sweeping and keeping them clean for R3k more than someone whose job is to entertain people and is probably earning R25k or even more just because they have a following. The music industry is f'ed but so are other industries in the world, but nobody is speaking about them because no one cares.

[@awakeninGod]

I speak about it and warn ppl that corruption and wickedness is present on all levels. From the church to the school house to the stay at home mom to the garbage man. No industry is exempt. Truly walking with the Lord is the only way to stay ahead and aware.

[@ErizoJavu]

I Feel it For Emtee, He was the best at the Time.😰😭😭😭

[@namenlosNamenlos]

Informative video! 👍🏾😎👍🏾

[@nadinenowases6664]

This is a great video. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@CheslynKarools]

It all comes down to what you want and the talent you've been blessed with so keep on grinding because we have a living god that won't abandon us so believe in the power of Christ because nothing can over throw him🙏🙏🙏

[@thembinkosidube3918]

The road, to success it's not easy always work hard and have patience... God bless Thank you...

[@ThapeloMokhethi-mq4sd]

Been wondering why do this artist dont last forever on the industry...thank you for an eye opening video i realised now n learnt

[@CHAZE2B]

Kiernan took that oath, then the devil came to collect

[@theindustrymanagementteam]

And How do you know or you just speaking without context

[@CHAZE2B]

@@theindustrymanagementteam is it not obvious?

[@inthemixwithleahbpodcast]

This like American music industry crazy!

[@Keith_drippy18]

Ur very good my guy I love this❤

[@Glo-zj2vf]

And some people will Pretend like there's nothing wrong there

[@KyleArias-m1p]

So I'm watching this video from my phone and Boston Massachusetts in the United States