Will SABC silence R Kelly?
In the light of ongoing sexual assault claims against US musician R Kelly‚ the SABC will consider several calls from fans and SA musicians for its stations to stop playing the artist’s music.
R Kelly again had tongues wagging this week after the worldwide debut of a docu-series, Surviving R Kelly – based on decades-long allegations of sexual abuse against the star.
The series features more than 50 interviews with women who allege they have been abused sexually and physically by the singer-songwriter.
It sparked a massive global campaign to boycott him and his music under the hashtag #MuteRKelly.
Several SA celebrities have thrown their weight behind the boycotts with some‚ including singer Kabomo‚ calling on the country’s biggest broadcaster to join the campaign.
One of the broadcaster’s most popular radio stations‚ Metro FM, recently asked its listeners whether it should boycott the artist.
An overwhelming number of Twitter users expressed their support for the boycott.
SABC spokesperson Neo Momodu said the allegations against R Kelly had been noticed and the broadcaster was “considering its options”.
“We have noted media reports and public campaigns calling [for] the banning of R Kelly’s music following allegations of sexual abuse.
“The SABC is considering its options and will communicate its decision in due course.”
Several SA artists‚ including Jimmy Nevis and Generations: The Legacy actress Manaka Ranaka, vowed never to play R Kelly’s music again.
Nevis‚ who used to include R Kelly’s songs in his set, said he would no longer endorse the US star’s music.
Ranaka was left fuming by the allegations and made her feelings known on social media. –