Self Worth for Zim Artists

Since International artists started trickling in for performances in the country the issue of fees paid to local artists started to take place. On every show that is done there are local artists to curtain raise for the International act and in many cases those local guys prove to put a better show than the international acts.

The fees paid to local artists is just pure mockery and a huge disgrace to art. International acts are paid amounts up to US$100 000.00 whilst the local acts are paid fees such as US$1 500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

At first the artists claimed that it was for marketing and promoting themselves, The question now is for how long should an artist perform for peanuts for the case of marketing themselves??? Promoters are now taking advantage of that lack of self worth by local artists to make serious profits.

Stunner (The biggest Zim Hip Hop Artist) has over the weekend expressed his feelings towards the lack of self worth buy other artists in the country on his Facebook page: 

"Some may wonder why they are not seeing Stunner's name on these so called local international shows. This is what's happening, Stunner is getting the initial call to come and perform and as a professional he is charging what he thinks he is worth. Behind the scenes there comes these one or two hit boys and they offer to perform for free or next to nothing. You can't really blame the promoter kana paita cheap labour.

"Well my good friends, I hope this works well for you in your music careers but just in case you were wondering why you never get to wear the gold chains, Gucci, Prada, Armani suits or get to go on actual tours, have a fly girl on your arm, or give away Jordan's coz you have worn them in a music video. That is the reason, muri mboko boy's dzangu and you are killing the industry. Why would you sell yourself cheap like that? Respect yourselves and your art my friends," 

Many artists and other respected personnel in the arts sector seem to support Stunner on his statement. However surprisingly there are some who do not share his views .

I commend Stunner on standing up to the promoters and trying to knock some sense into  other artists. This now calls up for a union for musicians, ZIMURA must take heed and stand up for local artists. Its now high time the regulatory authorities start backing local arts. A standard fee should be set for any local performance when international acts are involved. Promoters need to be regulated and monitored. 

Also on the part of musicians every musician must have an a qualified manager, that shows professionalism on the part of the artists and will reduce these scandals of being grossly undercharged.

Feel Free to share your views on this issue in the comments section.

Proud_Zimbo