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INTERNATIONALLY-renowned South African reggae artist Black Dillinger will "within days" fly back to Europe to tour for three months.

If you don' t know who this reggae artist is, you are not the only one. We South Africans are ignorant about this talented musician who emerged from the dusty streets of Gugulethu, Cape Town, in 2004.

Abroad, however, people are dancing to his tight reggae beats.

During his recent trip home, he had something special for South African fans.

"I killed it. And the turnout from local fans was absolutely great," he says.

Dillinger is probably the country's most prominent reggae export currently, after the late great Lucky Dube.

He has released three albums: Live and Learn in 2007, Love Life in 2009, and Better Tomorrow in 2011.

I was unfortunately not there when he performed at Johannesburg's reggae hot spot, House of Tandoor, Yeoville on Saturday .

It was a rare occasion when the globe-trotting artist performed in South Africa.

The reality of what actually happened that night at House of Tandoor will, I am sure, be captured on the walls of the establishment forever.

What is beyond doubt, though, is his increasing musical influence in general and the reggae genre in particular around the world, especially in Berlin, Germany, where he is based.

This is very good news for the country of his birth, that he is carrying South Africa's flag in some of the major capitals of the world.

But it is also sad though that the Gugulethu-born reggae artist, who was christened Nkululeko Madolo, is hardly recognised at home beyond particular reggae circles and those fortunate individuals who are well informed about the reggae sounds of the world.

Dillinger is very aware and naturally disappointed that reggae in South Africa does not get the exposure that it deserves in the local media.

He says: "Reggae music lacks mainstream media exposure in South Africa. It unfortunately does not get the attention that it deserves from recording companies, radio as well as television.

"The only platforms that are receptive are some radio stations and Soweto TV.

"For example, I took my DVD, which was shot by some German guys using the latest technology in video production, to local radio and television stations. This video is played frequently on television stations in Europe, but it was rejected last year by the producers of Live (an SABC1 music show).

"They said that it was not suitable for their viewers. I really have no idea what they meant by that," Dillinger says.

Comments

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Thu May 23 07:52:45 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 8, 2012

Bra_NeatDick

Ok now we know about U. Happy now?? I hope U are as good as this article claims i.e. not a certain Ras Dumisani.

If Ras Dumie can be more famous dan U den U probably doing something wrong.

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Jun 8, 2012

malcolm1

how can reggae be popular when radio stations are dominated by capitalists , they know what reggae lyrics always are , dont be surprised
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Jun 8, 2012

papilon68

Now we know who you are.
I hope you are not the dude who crushed the national anthem in Europe (Ras Dumisani)!
I think you dont promote yourself enough for us to know you.
Make yourself visible and definitely we will buy your music bru.
Gudluck!
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Jun 8, 2012

br33

Vele South Africa music industry e tletse ka di capitalist

Thanks to Jahseed and Admiral for their weekly thursday ragga-nights ko Bassline to keep reggae/dancehall movement alive ...en we love you Dillinger we chant to ur songs.
kaabooooooooooooooooom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jun 8, 2012

TKay

You preferred the international market before us, so dont blame us if we dont know you
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Jun 8, 2012

TheOnlyOne

I think you should work on your marketing plan. It was not easy for the likes of the late Lucky Dube or most artists. You have to have fight your way in and peform all over and then people will know you. Give us information of your next local peformance and maybe we might attend, because I cannot afford to go to Europe to see you.
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Jun 8, 2012

1andonlybucs

Change to kwaaito or house. then we will know you!!
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Jun 8, 2012

Tabza325is

Rastas spend thier time sticking it to the MAN and his Babylon system but at the same time want recognition in the MAN's kingdom of capitalism, When will Jah-Man wise up and realise his defeate and that the only way to win is to join them, untill a Rasta can establish his own radio station and TV station and stop rejecting capitalism as you need capital to establish this things, why do you think Rastas still don't have thier own award shows and still expect the MAN to include them in their award ceremonies, wise up Jah-Man and get your own.
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Jun 8, 2012

somaartakeit

don't be sad Dillinger cause you have achieved what many local artists have failed (int'l recognition) just roll in the pounds euros and dollars and enjoy yourself.
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Jun 9, 2012

Ntjapeli

@Bra_NeatDick
Ok now we know about U. Happy now?? I hope U are as good as this article claims i.e. not a certain Ras Dumisani.

If Ras Dumie can be more famous dan U den U probably doing something wrong.
#########################################################################
You're the most IGNORANT f23ck I have ever came
across. You're a straight up PUNK. Lazy to think. You
must have been raised by a F@#cked up TEEN MOTHER.
You don't know Dellinger at all fool. You LACK of EDUCATION
has just exposed itself. Dummy please do yourself a favour and READ
you PUNK.
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