Meet Marlon Green
FAIRLAND- Fairland singer/songwriter tells his life story in music and shares his disappoints in financial returns in the South African music industry.
Growing up in a musical family with a brother who is a jazz guitarist and parents who were singers, Marlon Green says as a child, life was tough growing up in Newlands East, but he found refuge and excitement playing drums at his local church.
“My brother would take me along to his rehearsals and I fell in love with playing music, especially the drums. I used to bang on Mom’s pots and pans,” he says with a chuckle.
Because of his passion, Green has recorded music with various artists such as, a live recording with award-winning Grammy artist Chanté Moore, four albums with Karen Zoid, numerous local and international tours with Danny K, Loyiso Bala, Tamara Dey and Tkzee.
Green recently released his debut album to showcase his talent.
“My debut album is currently out. I am doing live shows and working on various collaborations in my recording studio in Fairland,” he says.
Although embarking on this musical carriage may have been gruesome at times, Green had his eyes on achieving what ‘he was born to do’.
“My parents were very hesitant at first, when I wanted to pursue music as a career. However, when they saw me performing with all these artists, they were hooked. Today they are my biggest and most precious fans. They always encourage me to work hard at the talent that God has given me,” he tells.
As numerous artists in the industry often complain about income gained from the profession, Green is no exception.
“One of the biggest problems we face is that our industry is not properly recognised or respected by government. We are forced to pay tax as all citizens do, but we do not receive subsidies for medical aid, housing and insurance. Working for oneself is tough.
Our industry is not regulated. It’s sad, because SA has some of the best musicians and singers in the world. Members of Parliament want the benefit of the arts, but refuse to get behind us to develop or support creative talent in our country,” he says.
“The industry in South Africa can be very crazy at times. You can’t rely on one source of income. You have to be versatile, professional but most of all flexible,” explains Green.
“Piracy is very real in SA. It hurts us as musicians. I distribute my own albums. We spend so much time and money working on projects – yet, some ignorant folks copy these albums for a few bucks,” he adds.
Green enjoys most steps of his musical career. “It has been phenomenal touring internationally with all these artists I have worked with. I am also fortunate to endorse Pearl drums and Zildjian cymbals. They contribute to my unique sound as an artist,” he concludes.
