SABC 1 SABC 1 receives backlash over promoting Drake's new album
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South Africans are calling out public broadcaster the South African Broadcasting Corporation after the broadcaster enthusiastically promoted Drake’s latest album release across its social media platforms, sparking criticism from local music fans who say homegrown artists rarely receive the same level of support.
The backlash erupted shortly after SABC platforms shared multiple posts celebrating Drake’s new project, with some users accusing the broadcaster of prioritising international stars over South African talent despite its mandate to promote local arts and culture.
On social media, frustrated users questioned why local musicians often struggle for visibility on mainstream platforms while international artists receive instant promotion.
“South African artists beg for interviews, airplay and support every day, but suddenly there is energy for Drake?” one user wrote online.
Others argued that the issue goes beyond a single post, saying it reflects a broader frustration within the local entertainment industry, where artists frequently complain about limited radio support, poor playlist rotation and the dominance of international music in mainstream spaces.
The criticism has also reignited long-standing conversations around local content quotas and whether broadcasters are doing enough to invest in South African music.
Over the years, artists across genres — from amapiano and hip hop to Afro-pop and R&B — have repeatedly called for stronger institutional support, arguing that local talent often has to fight for recognition in their own country before receiving international success.
While some social media users defended the SABC, saying global artists like Drake naturally attract engagement and online traffic, critics insisted that a public broadcaster should place greater focus on uplifting local creatives.
The debate arrives at a time when South African music continues to dominate globally, with genres like amapiano gaining international traction and local artists collaborating with some of the world’s biggest stars.
For many fans, however, the frustration is less about Drake himself and more about what they see as a lack of consistent support for local voices, while some do not see an issue with the new promotion at all.
“SA music consumers are part of the global consumers of music and respond to global events the way those events present themselves, so Drake fans in SA responded accordingly. SABC 1, as an entertainment channel, correctly stepped up to the moment the way the moment presented itself,” an X user commented.
Neither the South African Broadcasting Corporation nor Drake’s team had publicly responded to the criticism at the time of publication.
SABC declined to comment.
IOL