Africa-Press – Eswatini. Mbhaqanga musician Mshikishi Mndzebele has blasted government for neglecting artists.
Mndzebele said he was sent by local artists to voice out several issues that were affecting them in the country. “I am sent by singers in the country to tell you Mbangazitha about the challenges they are facing. They said they have tried raising these issues for years, but no one showed interest in assisting them. The artists said they were always side-lined in national events. “Government hires artists from outside the country and pays them ridiculous amounts of money. In cases where they are considered, they are paid peanuts compared to foreign artists and that is devastating,” he said.
Neglected
Mndzebele said most singers, when it comes to arts, made a lot of money but not in Eswatini because they were neglected. He made an example of global superstar Beyonce, who is a billionaire. He said the reason most artists were global stars was because their governments supported them. “We call upon the incoming government and PM to prioritise local artists in local events, more especially those who are organised by the government. Asebeme bangephandle kudle basekhaya, sebadlile nabo emaveni akubo. Where are we going to benefit if not in Eswatini?” he wondered. The singer said he started singing in 1974 but he had nothing to show for it. He said musicians were poor in Eswatini. Further, he complained about Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS).
Promoted
He said the government-owned national broadcaster was playing foreign music and neglecting locally produced music. Mndzebele said the music played in that national broadcaster didn’t belong to emaSwati, but promoted already established artists from other countries. He also urged the King to look into the calibre of the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs. He said the ministry had also neglected artists. Mndzebele said the minister should be someone who understood music so that they could speak the same language as him. Mndzebele’s submission was welcomed by whistles and clapping of hands as most of the people seemed to be agreeing with him.
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