Do songwriters earn what they deserve?

Ngu Sbu Ngubane

You don't always need to hold a microphone and sing to make a living in the music industry. This time around Sbu Ngubane explores the less explored profession in the music industry; composing by speaking to one of the most gifted songwriters in the country uSipho Mbhele...

                     Songwriter and producer Sipho Mbhele

Where did you learn the art of writing songs?

It comes naturally.

What album are you currently listening to and why?

I'm currently listening to Beyonce's Fighting Temptations because it has some gospel feel and soulful vibes

Which album are you currently working on?

Deborah's third album.

Have you given it a title?

Nope.

What was your worst moment in the studio?

When Lundi wouldn't pitch up for an album I was producing for him. Ever since that episode I stopped working with him

Who are your favourite song writers?

Locally it's Caiphus Semenya and Sizwe Zako. Abroad it's R Kelly and Babyface

Which production of yours have outsold others?

Lundi's debut album Mphefumulo Wam. It sold 400 000 units.

Do you think South African songwriters get the recognition they deserve?

Nope. The only recognition I have got so far was when I won the SARRAL Songwrtiter of the Year Award. I think we deserve better than this.

What's the highlight of your career?

Working with Deborah Fraser. She's the most professional artist I have worked with so far.

And the low-down?

When I experienced problems with Lundi and his record company.

What problems were those?

The less said about them the better. Besides, the whole matter is still sub judice.

You have also written Afro pop songs for Ringo. How do you manage switching from writing gospel tunes to composing Afro-Pop ballads? It must take a genius to do this.

Not necessarily. Take for example your own profession. As an entertainment writer, would it be a challenge for you to write sport news? It's more or less the same with song writing.

How much is there for a songwriter financially?

There is a lot at stake for us songwriters, pity there are problems regarding needletime regulation in this country, which is basically the only way we earn our living. Airplay circulation figures leave a lot to be desired and it is difficult for us to verify the stats because you can't personally monitor the number of times your song gets played by radio stations or television channels. So I feel those representing us in this regard are failing us somehow. Take for example overseas songwriters who sometimes write one song and retire but in South Africa it would take you a lifetime to reach that pinnacle.

How do you think local songwriters and artists could break into the international market?

It is difficult to say given the diverse cultures, languages and genres of music we have locally. Overseas, in the US for example, it's easy because people there literally speak one language and as such, it's possible for artists to reach millions of people. However, I have seen artists like Julio Iglesias and Angelique Kidjo breaking these language barriers with their music and to be honest with you I'm looking forward to producing such a type of an album, something that would appeal to both local and international audience. So I'd say it's just a matter of time before we turn the international corner, I hope.

Thanks for speaking to us Sipho

Thanks.