@casspernyovest's Comparison Of South African & Nigerian Music Industries Has Sparked Spirited Debate

Cassper Nyovest has sparked spirited debate and backlash from inflammatory comments he made regarding the support of a Nigerian musician's countrymen in comparison to a South African artist's countrymen. In his initial statement, Cassper related that he wished that he were a Nigerian artist for the mere fact that he believed that nation, in particular, was more supportive of their local entertainment industry. 

The comment came after a back-and-forth interaction between Zakes Bantwini and Nyovest when Abhuti Fill Up proclaimed the year of 2020 for South Africa's hip-hop industry. What seemed like a harmless tweet was met with a response Zakes in the form of the below comments.

2020 for SA music if you want unit in the industry we must stop being genre based and be music based. If we want to push SA Music to a level where Nigerians are you Must think SA music industry then Genre movement, period. https://t.co/xWQ9xphbKR

— ZAKES BANTWINI (@ZakesBantwiniSA) July 27, 2019

It is at this point when it appears Cassper's statements took on a defensive tone. He commented on how he understood the music industry in Nigeria to work and went on to tell Zakes that they could have a private conversation should that be desired. From here, things took a turn, particularly when one of Cassper's fans commented that they wished he was from Nigeria. While this may have been in direct relation to the fact that the fan was based in Nigeria, it prompted Cassper to respond wishing he were in fact a Nigerian artist. 

It was this statement that sent Twitter into a tizzy. Some took the comment to be disrespectful to his South African fan base, whereas others saw some merit to his commentary. We've embedded some of the tweets below for your consideration. However, before this, there is a single aspect that carried merit to Cassper's comments. When he made mention that our West African counterparts prioritize local content over international content. There was a time when former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng enacted the 90% local rule from a policy point. This means that he made it compulsory for stations to maintain 90% local content. When radio stations, for example, were accused of playing the same songs, it was suggested that Motsoeneng was to blame. However, his role was to make local content compulsory, it was the job of each station manager to ensure the policy's implementation. 

Internationally, local content is the gold standard, however, in South Africa, this doesn't seem to translate as smoothly. Were Cassper Nyovest's statements fair in totality, that's arguable. However, while he had a single point that might hold up in an argument, it's simply unfortunate that it was made and delivered in such a way that bore the potential to embitter his local fanbase. 

Waiting for you call grootman lam. Always love. ❤ https://t.co/GWAYHIQwk6

— R.M Phoolo (@casspernyovest) July 28, 2019

Won't even lie. I wish i was from Nigeria too. The love they have for thier own artists, the way they celebrate their culture, 90% local content on radio and Tv, there way they celebrate their music no matter where they are in the world, the unity within thier industry. A DREAM! https://t.co/goh02gHjtB

— R.M Phoolo (@casspernyovest) July 28, 2019

Zimbabwe is soooo close to my heart. Half of my team are Zimbabwean. Such intellegent , loyal and hard working people. 1 love! 1 Africa! https://t.co/xJOob4vtKK

— R.M Phoolo (@casspernyovest) July 30, 2019

Ha ke sbaye sa PR. Never have never will. Im always myself. I'm just myself. Love me, hate me , Ke taba ya hao eo. Im done living for poeple. I speak my mind and i move. Can't keep explaining myself. I said what i said! https://t.co/bi2Z2U8YEi

— R.M Phoolo (@casspernyovest) July 29, 2019

None of my fans were offended. They know exactly what i said,meant, intended. Yatla Satane! Anyway, Fill Up 2019 loading and guess what's gonna happen? Another Sold Out affair. Might just dropped the date and venue today even!!! Get to work ASAP!!! Ya'll ready ? PLEASE RT

— R.M Phoolo (@casspernyovest) July 30, 2019

I see narrative pushers are at it again.

You know exactly what Cassper’s point is. It’s the same conversation creatives have all the damn time about the contrast between Nigeria & SA.

But the mob says attack so you jumped on the bandwagon.

Ain’t what’s said but who said it

— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) July 30, 2019

Cassper was the closing act before Beyoncè, at a concert everyone across the globe was streaming. Plenty of opportunity to grab an international audience. It’s not the lack of support or recognition that’s the problem here, if we being honest ????

— Thandekile (@Chant_ella) July 30, 2019

SOUTH AFRICA is a fucking miracle, and BEING SOUTH AFRICAN is a fucking honor and a privilege. Don’t let anyone ever tell you any other nonsense!!!! ????????????

— AKA (@akaworldwide) July 29, 2019

Hao. Kante this whole time motho feels more welcome in Nigeria mara nna i can't admire their industry and movement? Shoulda just drank your water and minded your business russian mafia. Deleta tweet fast shimangkie. https://t.co/bbX7XWv1AC

— R.M Phoolo (@casspernyovest) July 30, 2019

Just to add on this Nigerian/Cassper talk. You literally have to make good music for that international status. The men he’s crying to be, make HOT HOT music. We as proud South Africans aren’t the problem but his music is. Clearly

— Z. Dlela (@__sliice) July 30, 2019