Musica harmonises in the background
Clicks leaves music stores to carry on quietly
When Thomo Malatsi, owner of niche music store Mello Music, opened his store in Maboneng, Johannesburg, four years ago, he didn't anticipate how much of a blow the digital revolution would be to him. "Business is tough," said Malatsi. "The music industry took a knock when the downloads started coming in and smartphones started running our lives. "But we understand that consumers like to get things easy. They like going out, they like to be seen and they like to be associated with certain brands, so we've created a lifestyle feel to the music," he said. His shop specialises in the local and international jazz, soul and R&B genres, occasionally hosts live sessions with local artists, and creates a platform for independent musicians to showcase their music. He also brings in music from around the world, with imported CDs and DVDs going for as much as R1,000. Despite the evident slowdown in CD and DVD sales "you have to adapt", Malatsi said. "Things are moving fast and you have to try s...
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