The Department of Arts and Culture funds a number of musical ensembles directly and indirectly, through the NAC. The Taking South African Music to the World Programme is aimed at improving export opportunities for South African music.

These include the annual Moshito Music Market and Exhibition, Institutional Developments like support for the Association of Independent Record Companies of South Africa (AIRCO). In this industry, the department has solid foundations to build on. In addition to its cultural value, music plays an important economic role in the country, generating significant copyright revenue. Music is one of the key cultural industries identified in the Cultural Industrial Growth Strategy Report, and government has committed itself to harnessing its potential. Kwaito and hip-hop are very popular, combining elements of rap, reggae and other musical styles into a distinctly South African style. Even techno-rave and house music have found their own variations in local culture. Township jazz and blues, especially the kwela music of the forties and fifties, are being redefined, while the country has a rich choral tradition and pop and rock musicians have made their mark internationally. Local music accounts for a third of all the music bought by South Africans.

South Africa is the 25th-largest market for recorded music, with the industry employing more than 20 000 people. It is also an important contributor to nation building and social cohesion. Music is one of the biggest sectors within the broader creative industries.

Township music south africa