Maskandi Artists laments over not being paid after performance

Maskandi Artists laments over not being paid after performance

Maskandi artists have raised their voices to notice of not being paid after their performance. After being underpaid for their performances at many occasions, Maskandi performers are facing a dismal holiday season.

They gave performances in a number of maskandi gatherings, such as Hlangana Theku on December 24, 2023. It took place outside Pietermaritzburg at Number 9. This event was organized by construction boss Ntokozo Zuma.

Additionally, they provided entertainment at the Khuphuka Nezakho Festival, which took place at Durban’s Curries Fountain on May 4. This event was organized by Lungelo “Ngelo Vee” Vilane. This event featured performances by more than 20 Maskandi performers. They gave a performance at the Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival on Saturday, August 17, at Durban’s People’s Park. Over 50 acts were booked by the event’s organizer, Xolani Mcineka.

Additionally, they received no compensation for performing in the Umbuso Wamaciko Maskandi Festival. The date of this one was September 28. Over fifty musicians were scheduled for the event, which was organized by Geh Ngcobo. Supposedly, eThekwini Municipality provided funding for each of these activities. A few performers went to Sunday World to complain that they hadn’t been paid for their performances at these kinds of occasions.

An anonymous artist stated “Last December, I gave a performance at the Hlangana Theku festival, but I never got paid for it. Zuma has not complied with our arrangement, despite my many attempts to reach him via phone and SMS. I haven’t heard anything from the reservation for nearly a year. “I am aware that eThekwini Municipality provided funding for his event,” the artist stated.

According to the news, another performer at Khuphuka Nezakho stated that he had been awaiting money since May. According to the time, resources and efforts bring wasted, “Ngelo Vee approached me, and I accepted on the understanding that I would be paid in 30 days. And I consented even though I knew this was almost impossible.

“I anticipated that he would pay in two to three months.” Unfortunately, this was not the case; six months have passed and Ngelo V has not even sent an update or message. I feel both wounded and outraged at the exact same time. The artist stated, they were so many time and resources which was wasted adding to the little money at hand.

“According to him, his group was booked at the event and to be performed at Umbuso Wamaciko,” stated a Maskandi group leader. We hoped to have received payment by now. Regretfully, we are not even in contact with the event organizer. We were eventually informed that since eThekwini Municipality had not paid them, we were not eligible for payment.

We are getting close to Christmas, so this is upsetting. We have families to support and school fees to pay. We’re not sure who is deceiving us between the eThekwini Municipality and the event planners. However, it’s obvious that Black Christmas is on the horizon,” the artist stated.

Speaking to news, one of the event organizers requested anonymity. “I understand their frustration, but this is beyond our control,” he added. There is nothing we can do because the eThekwini Municipality has not issued the monies. “I get calls and texts from performers every single day. Their money is what they desire. Every single day I have been providing the same explanation. I’m annoyed by the delay and even run out of replies.

Zuma acknowledged that certain artists did not get compensation, but he would not provide specifics. “All the artists were informed that I had a limited budget. Sadly, until I have the identities of the artists who are protesting, I am unable to respond to the inquiries,” Zuma said.

Sanele Hlongwa who is a spokesman for uMbuso Wamaciko, declined to comment as well. We stroke a deal with artists rather than the media. We, not the media, will be contacted by any artist who requires clarification on payment. Unless the media has a contract. By the time of publication, eThekwini Municipality had not reacted to a media query. As soon as a response becomes accessible, the article will be modified.