Kulture event leaves artists in limbo
WeekendLife
Delayed payments, manipulation and lack of proper communication in the music industry has since become a dime a dozen. Musicians find it difficult to bite the bullet when they are not compensated for a work done. They give event organizers the benefit of the doubt, pinning hopes that they will smile all the way to the bank. To their shock, they are taken from pillar to post until the last straw.
Adding insult to injury, these event organizers always beat around the bush, and fail radically to address the issue at hand. This kind of brashness, that is deemed unprofessional, leaves artists in limbo. What’s worse after an extraordinary performance on stage is not getting paid, but given a cold shoulder is extremely off beam.
Popular event, Kulture, has since been infected by the late or no payment disease of the music industry. In its second edition, the Kulture event had the devil in the details, ranging from poor marketing, low attendance, expensive tickets, pricey food to delayed payments of artists.
Held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) at the end of June, Kulture featured South African popular RnB. Afro-Soul singer and songwriter, Zonke Dikana as a headliner. A source close to this publication said before anything, the songstress is too expensive to book for an event, something that might have contributed to the event flopping.
Zonke, who was scheduled to address the press bluntly declined, citing exhaustion despite the media having waited for her for ages. It was only DJ Cleo who was generous enough to talk to the press. DJ Cleo has been off the limelight for quite a stretch now, and played to chairs which were scattered all over the GICC hall. Has Amapiano buried alive DJ Cleo and friends? Your guess is good as mine.
Tickets were sold from P500.00 to P1500.00. Perhaps, this might have been a major contributing factor to GICC not being full to capacity. Nonetheless, disgruntled artists engaged to perform at the event say to this day, they have not been remunerated.
Speaking to this publication this week on condition of anonymity, fearing indictment, some musicians said regarding payments, there is no concrete communication from the organizers side, something that worries them.
In a series of conversations sent to this publication, artists were to be paid beginning of this month, that’s almost three days later post the event. Even though there was an agreement between organizers and artists, payments were not processed on time (even to this day).
“We are being delayed by Grand Palm in making your payment. We were in partnership with them and was hoping today the issue will be sorted. I have escalated to the General Manager (GM) because of this delay. I am hoping by Monday this will be put to rest,” reads a response from the event organizer, Tsamao Salepito.
Some of these discontented musicians did not agree with the feedback from the organizers, demanding for equal treatment as artists from South Africa were allegedly paid on time. Salepito is said to be ignoring calls from artists that ask about payments, saying he has been off the raider.
“He should be able to communicate with us, not waiting to be pushed this hard. We worked hard and we demand answers. He feels obligated to state lies. Communication is very important.”
In his defense, Salepito said there has been a communication with artists, and they are very aware of the issue at hard. “Tickets were brought through Grand Palm and once they release the funds, everyone will be paid. We have been waiting on Grand Palm for them to conclude on their side and then we pay. This is something that I have communicated with the artists.”
When reached for a comment, Grand Palm declined to utter a word, as people who were engaged in the event were on leave. However, an anonymous tip off was that the hotel is still preparing checks and balances, to see if it really benefited from the event.
Meanwhile, post the first edition, which was held last year in Tlokweng and headlined by renowned DJ, Black Coffee, allegations of fraud and theft left to a fallout between the organizers (Sports Inc) and South African partners, Heinsite Construction and Terris Production.
Sports Inc was engaged to run the show this side (in Botswana) and were tasked with raking funds and partnerships from local, big businesses. Notwithstanding the fact that the company sourced funds, the funds were rather channeled to an unknown bank account, that the South African associates were not aware of.
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
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DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
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MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.