NO QUALITY CONTROL ON RADIO-‘BOBO’

MBABANE – This concerning revelation was made by Bongani ‘Bobo’ Dlamini, a presenter and radio DJ at the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS), during the first day of a music tariffs workshop hosted at the Sibane Sami Hotel on Wednesday.

It is worth monitoring that Dlamini attended the workshop in a personal capacity and was not representing the radio station.   During a discussion at the workshop, the absence of quality control was highlighted, when musician Khole asked whether local radio stations implement any quality measures, especially since many artists value the opportunity to hear their music played on air. “Do local broadcasters have quality control when it comes to playing music on their stations in the kingdom?” Khole enquired. In response, Dlamini acknowledged that such measures do not currently exist, but he mentioned that efforts are underway to establish a compiler for quality control.  

“We do not have a straightforward process for playing local music. I cannot say that we conduct quality control strictly, but we do listen to songs before they are aired. We are actively working towards acquiring a compiler to help address these issues,” he explained. Dlamini elaborated on their openness to accepting music from local artists in Eswatini; however, he pointed out that whether a song makes it onto the airwaves often depends on the individual artist’s connections within the radio station.

“If someone wants to hear their music played on air, they typically need to know someone inside the radio station. Unfortunately, this has become a reality for many artists. That said, it does not mean we overlook others; we do strive to ensure that everyone has a chance to be heard on local radio,” he remarked.  The lack of a structured quality control mechanism raises questions about the consistency and standards of music played on local radio.

Essential

For both artists and listeners, quality assurance is essential to ensure that the music broadcast reflects the talent and effort of the musicians within the kingdom. Many artists pour their hearts and souls into their craft and it is crucial that they are given the opportunity to showcase their work properly. In recent years, the local music scene has grown remarkably with a plethora of talented musicians emerging from various genres. However, without a robust quality control system in place, artists may find it challenging to gain recognition and credibility in a highly-competitive industry.

Radio stations play a vital role in promoting local music and providing a platform for artists to reach wider audiences. Therefore, it is imperative for local broadcasters to evaluate and reform their processes to support Swazi musicians better. The establishment of quality control measures would not only enhance the listening experience for audiences, but also foster a more nurturing environment for artists striving to achieve success in their careers.

Countries

Moreover, countries such as the United Kingdom have established quality control systems that ensure music played on the radio meets specific standards. These regulations not only protect the interests of artists, but also enhance the overall quality of the music enjoyed by listeners. In contrast, without similar measures, Eswatini risks not fully supporting its thriving music scene, potentially losing out on talented artists who deserve recognition and a fair platform. Emulating these successful models could significantly benefit Eswatini’s music industry and ensure that local talent is adequately celebrated and promoted.

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