Young music industry shapers silent on controversial Copyright Amendment Bill

As veteran artists took to the streets of Johannesburg on Friday against the Copyright Amendment Bill, a law they say will perpetuate their exploitation, young artists and performers were nowhere to be found.

The legends demonstrated outside the Gauteng Legislature against the bill that if signed into law could see large foreign companies use their music without their consent.

However, young heavyweights of the South African music industry have neglected to add their voices to the cause.

SA music legend, Mercy Phakalela, says the law has implications not just for veterans, but young performers as well. 

The musicians are pinning their hopes on the President not to sign the bill into law.

Singer, writer, entrepreneur and humanitarian, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, has added her voice to the battle for fairness.

She says in its current state, the bill simply cannot be signed.

The musicians have at the same time slammed local lawmakers for failing to consult artists over the Copyright Amendment Bill.

They’ve issued the government with a memorandum of demands and have given officials one week to respond.