Because of the recent media attention Driemanskap have been receiving, we have a lot of new fans who don’t know where to get our music. If you are new to Driemanskap and Pioneer Unit – welcome to the family! We also represent Ben Sharpa, Rattex, Jaak, KONFAB, Manqoba, Pure Solid, DJ Raiko, Planet Earth, Hipe and Dplanet.
So, where can you get our music? We thought it would be a good idea to answer the question for everyone to read, as well as give a small insight into the distribution challenges we face in South Africa. We also want to let people know what they can do to help make sure the music is always stocked in major retail outlets.
Physical distribution in South Africa is a big challenge for independent hip hop labels. Pioneer Unit is currently distributed by Soul Candi. In theory our album releases are available in all the major retail outlets (Musica, Look & Listen and Reliable) – and have been for some time. However, it is up to the individual stores to order stock. Store managers of most major retail outlets are primarily interested in creating profit for their companies so they tend to stock music that sells in large numbers (primarily international chart music and local dance music). The current reality is that South African hip hop is a relatively small niche market with relatively low sales – so keeping our music in stock is not a top priority for many major retail outlets.
Naturally we are working round the clock to change this situation by marketing our artists as aggressively as we can (with the resources at our disposal) to raise awareness of our music and create demand. However, it is up to the fans to make sure they help create demand by ordering our music at the counter if it is not available on the shelves. If enough people ask for the music, the shops will take note and start supplying the demand.
However, if you have tried ordering our music at a major retailer and still haven’t had any luck, we have a number of alternative options:
1. African Music Store
If you are in Cape Town, all our music (including EPs) is available at the African Music Store. They always have stock so it’s never a wasted journey – and it’s great to support an independent music store that actually cares about the music. You can find them at 134 Long Street – (021) 426 0857.
2. Our Online Store
You can download our music or order CDs through our online shop (credit card or Paypal required). It’s 100% safe, secure and reliable – powered by Bandcamp.
3. Mail Order
If you don’t have a credit card or Paypal you can use our mail order service and pay via EFT (electronic transfer) or cash deposit. We deliver across South Africa and internationally.
4. International Download Stores
Our music is also available on all the major international digital download sites including iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic, Nokia, Shockhound, Napster, Amazon MP3 and the Limewire Store.
5. At Shows
All our artists are armed with copies of their latest releases, so if you see them at a show, don’t be shy – go buy a copy and get a photo taken with them while you’re at it!
We need your help to spread this information, so please link to this article on your Twitter, Facebook or blog.
That’s how we rrrrrrrrrrrroll!!
Recent Comments