NEW Gauteng MEC for sports, arts, culture and recreation Lebogang Maile has called for the transformation of the music industry with the focus on developing black-owned recording companies.

Addressing the media in Johannesburg yesterday, the forthright Maile said his department would engage stakeholders to discuss the challenges in the industry.

Maile's initiative is the latest in the government's efforts to boost the music industry. Shortly after taking office President Jacob Zuma met musicians to discuss their concerns.

Maile said there were simply too few black-owned record companies in the field.

"One can think only of Arthur Mafokate's 999 stable, Kalawa Jazzmee and TS Records, and that is definitely not good enough," Maile said.

"During the meeting with stakeholders we will look at strategies to sustain the industry and ensure that it becomes an effective contributor to economic growth.

"We need to also ensure there are more new entrants in the industry. We must agree on a mid-term vision to identify talented young people who are writers, producers and singers."

Maile, who is also ANC Youth League president in Gauteng, said the government would talk with the top brass in the radio industry to lobby them to promote South African music.

"The initiative is aimed at giving emerging artists opportunities to showcase their talent. Such an initiative will see at least two unsigned artists featured on a show where their music is played and analysed by listeners and an established artist.

"As part of the ongoing process of forging a new nation, we will engage with various institutions to look at the matter of telling the South African story in its totality.

"We must pay particular attention to the availability of books, access to cinemas, oral history, including encouraging the entry of young writers in the market."