Africa-Press – Eswatini. LEGENDARY mbhaqanga artist Mshikishi Mndzebele says event organisers in the country should stop paying or hiring international artists at local shows.
Mshikishi said this when making his submission during the People’s Parliament yesterday at Ludzidzini Royal residence.
The artist, who started his music career in 1974, stated that they were underpaid as local artists, whereas they should be earning as much as artists like United States of America (USA) singer Beyonce who had made their wealth through their talents.
He added that government had several times deprived them as local artists through the booking of international acts, which were more prioritised at most local events. “We decry such treatment and call upon government to make a change,” he said.
Furthermore, Mshikishi asked the national radio stations to play local music on their platforms. He said internationals were a priority and this was not fair for local artists.
Meanwhile, when Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Stanley Dlamini said Mshikishi’s concern was not something they were hearing for the first time.
Dlamini said there had been several occasions where artists complained about international artists being prioritized.
The CEO made an instance of national events, particularly the most recent 55/55 double celebration, where local artists were side-lined at the Garden Party.
“Mshikishi touched on this after he was included in the Garden Party programme, but did not get the opportunity to perform. He is right in the sense that artists from different parts of the world are the ones who dominate national events and other events where they (local artists) should get first preference,” said Dlamini.
He added that it was the vision of ENCAC to strive, develop and promote the preservation of arts and culture pride, while enriching the livelihood of Eswatini nation.
He said it was stipulated under the Arts and Culture Policy as key interventions that; there should be an organisation of local live concerts that enable musicians to showcase their talents and seize opportunities to showcase Eswatini music and musicians of various genres during international events and further remunerate artists fairly, irrespective of their nationality and the practise of giving less pay to locals should be stopped.
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