NKAZIMULO "TNS" Ngema has been an independent musician since 2021.
The musician and producer says money is the biggest struggle for independent musicians.
The 23-year-old musician from Mandeni in KZN says his dream is to work for a major record label.
TNS was signed to Sony Music in 2019 for two years while he had his record label TNS Music.
After two years, the contract ended and was not renewed, so he focused on his label.
The Umona hitmaker said 70% of talented musicians fail because they don't have the financial means to meet the demands in the music industry.
"It's difficult to be an independent musician. The marketing and PR team needs a lot of money. Music videos, launches and social media influences need a lot of money," TNS said.
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"We really need to talk about it and find solutions because when you're signed to a major record label, musicians are drained and a lot of musicians who are hurting but are silenced."
He said organisations such as Capasso, Sampra and the Department of Arts and Culture must do something.
"Arists don’t have to sell their masters and sign for free. They do this because they don't have the resources and money to pay what is required in the music industry," he said.
TNS will release his new single titled Bayabulela on Friday, 1 March.
