EC record boss pushes municipalities to back local artists

A new collaboration between a local record label and the Chris Hani District Municipality is aiming to give Eastern Cape musicians a stronger foothold in the industry, without needing to leave the province.

The initiative, led by KuGompo City-based businessman Mlindelwa “Man B” Tyekana of Man B Music Entertainment, focuses on identifying and supporting local talent through a structured talent search programme.

The programme recently launched in Komani and is designed to help artists record and distribute their music locally, addressing long-standing concerns from musicians who say they have been disadvantaged by larger, out-of-province record labels.

Local artists have previously raised concerns about exploitation, saying they were often forced to relocate to major cities like Johannesburg, where they faced unequal contracts and limited control over their work.

Tyekana said the goal of the initiative is to create opportunities closer to home.

“We’re giving young people a chance in the music industry so that they can realise their talent. We’ve seen how Eastern Cape musicians have died poor despite spending many years making hits in Johannesburg,” he said.

The first round of the talent search, held at the Komani Indoor Centre, has already identified five musicians across different genres.

According to Tyekana, the agreement with the municipality includes covering key production costs for selected artists, including studio time.

“Music is very expensive and if an artist can only worry about recording, that’s half the battle won,” he said.

The programme also aims to address access barriers faced by artists in rural and remote areas. Instead of expecting musicians to travel long distances, organisers plan to take the programme directly to communities across the province.

Tyekana said there are plans to expand the initiative by working with other municipalities.

“We’re hoping to sign agreements with other municipalities across the province. We’ll go to almost all the smaller towns and stage these talent searches and engage with local municipalities to fund their recordings,” he said.

Man B Music Entertainment currently works with more than 50 artists, including Tyekana’s 12-year-old daughter, Jessie Isilokazi.

Early public reaction to the initiative has been positive, with some residents suggesting it could help position the Eastern Cape as a growing music hub where artists can build careers without relocating.

The programme reflects a broader push to develop local creative industries and reduce dependence on opportunities in major metropolitan areas.