Toya Delazy Bemoans Lack Of Support For Indie Artists
Toya Delazy Bemoans Lack Of Support For Indie Artists. The music industry has historically been challenging for artists at various stages, and a similar sentiment applies to those who opt to break away from record labels, choosing the independent route.
Toya Delazy is among the artists who faced their fair share of challenges as an independent artist, yet she managed to reclaim her place in the spotlight. Despite not operating in the SA music industry, the famed rapper and Afro-fave chanter has been making waves in the UK music space and her talent has been greatly appreciated.
Taking to Twitter (X), Toya Delazy emphasized that independent artists have the potential to achieve significant success and should not hesitate to assert their independence if there is enough support. “This is why it is important to support artists that go independent, of course, it’s not gonna look the same without the industry machine, but if the fans and public were genuine, independence would not be a death sentence but rather the natural progression as we all had to start somewhere from being unknown. Instead, they cuss us and say we fell off, and when you stand up to the labels they put you on pause, so no one hears your music anywhere anymore.” She wrote.
The My City hitmaker expressed that many artists don’t lose their talent after parting ways with record labels; rather, it’s the lack of support that becomes a significant factor. “The journey is harder as indie because people don’t understand the work it takes to keep your visibility at the level the majors had so many would rather just stay in those deals and the entire industry turns its back on you because many don’t wanna mess up their bag with the majors by supporting you. So it’s not that we lost talent, we are still those artists, the talent is there, it’s a case of SUPPORT when starting out alone.” She added.
Reflecting on her journey, Toya reiterated that she harbours no regrets since redirecting her music career onto a different path. Despite the formidable challenges inherent in the competitive music industry she also shared that she is currently focused on expanding her own music company in the UK, acknowledging the difficulties but also finding the experience to be both tough and rewarding.
“I have learnt a lot and I regret nothing about my journey, I’m saying all that to say this, we are still here and growing our own companies where we are loved. I had to heal alot, stop drinking and reconnect to the chi within me and build again in a different CONTINENT. My companies are AFRORAVE ltd and Delazy entertainment, we are still winning – I just won newcomer of the year in the U.K, I had to start again, I’m very lucky to have made it this far, and it feels like the journey has only just began.” Wrote Toya Delazy.
