First anti-piracy concert to kick off in Joburg

Avante

The word "dudula" means "eradicate" in isiZulu, and the campaign is intent on wiping out the illegal practice that costs South African artists several millions of rand annually in lost revenue.

"The vision behind these concerts is to create a crime-free society," explains Mbuli. "If members of the public do not buy fake goods, they will render piracy unworkable, and artists will not be ripped off when they have worked so hard for their earnings."

The Dudula anti-piracy concerts will take place around the country, spreading the message to the furthest reaches of the land. Each concert will feature a selection of more than 50 top South African musicians who have thrown their weight behind the project.

The first concert, at the Bassline in Newtown on 20 October, will see performances by Rebecca, Mzwakhe Mbuli, Soul Brothers, Avante and Lundi.

Mbuli hopes that while the public is enjoying the quality sounds local musicians produce on stage, they will become sensitised to how the plague of piracy is affecting the country's creative output. "Wiping out piracy will strengthen the economic foundation of the music industry in South Africa," he says.

Tickets for the Bassline concert cost R100.00 and will be available at the venue. The concert starts at 7pm.