In South Africa, the arts sector is not on the radar of the government’s priority. The creative economy has vibrant industries abroad, in film, theatre, music, art, architecture, tourism, and writing but the South African government has failed to provide leadership and investment in the sector.
As a result, many artists are suffering the after-effects of the Covid-19 lockdown as many of them did not get their share of the R150 million relief fund. Having to make a comeback to the entertainment industry, some tend to overcharge promoters when they are booked.
According to controversial tweep Musa Khawula, former Generations actress Thuli Phongolo charges R20 000 per hour for bookings as a DJ. On top of that, she wants to fly with South African Airways or British Airways for herself and economy class for her manager.
Furthermore, she wants to be booked at a Five Star hotel, with no guest house or Bread and Breakfast and wants traveling transport to and from the airport.
She also wants a bodyguard at every venue and wants VIP treatment, expensive alcoholic beverages, and a hooker pipe while she is performing.
Her booking package has stunned a lot of people who have watched her behind the decks and believe that she is not worth the many she charges, and are accusing her of playing mixtapes in her sets.
For the bodyguard fee, the masses are wondering if he is there to guard the USB that they believe she uses during her sets.
Some are dragging her that the mixtapes she plays were organized by DJ Maphorisa adding that she must stick to acting whilst others are defending her, saying that she is not a bad DJ.
Opinion
It has been a tough two years for many artists and regardless of having a Department of Arts and Culture, many of them are disgruntled.
There should have been financial support for artists and the production crew. Even if the Department had the best intention, it would struggle to make meaningful interventions in an environment that it simply does not understand.
Until the Arts Department caters to the arts on a larger scale, many artists will charge exorbitant fees to try and make ends meet.