After brazing their melodies and energetic dance moves from 1 to 10 December 2023, By4 Music Group from South Africa are still fighting tooth and nail with local event organisers for their pay.
The Disco Bash, which took place in Gobabis, Windhoek, Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo and Rundu, saw lovers of this genre flocking to the stadiums to enjoy the festivities.
Band member Ivory Sikepe told VIBEZ! that they are still waiting for their pay, and the organisers seem to be ignoring them.
“The lack of fulfilling their promise has led to depression and tension in the group, and I feel responsible. They (the promoters) blocked me, and I don’t know what to do. They took advantage of my band,” said the distraught wife of the late Penuel Kunene of Matchikos Band.
She said they are owed about N$39 000, money that is a lot, and could be used for a lot of other things to enhance the group.
By4 Group was founded by Penwell Mxolisi Kunene in 1998. The legendary disco ladies’ group has been in the game since its formation. Having sold hundreds of thousands of records all over Southern Africa and abroad for over 15 years, the group became a favourite to tens of thousands of adoring fans.
Soulful melodies, touching messages in song lyrics, electrifying live performances, sexy stage attires and world-standard album sleeves, have won the ladies huge support.
“Sisi wami, relax my dearest. There is no way we will disappoint you at any level. I know that by now your guys are giving you pressure. I am all on your case, sisi wami. Tomorrow, I will do it as I say. Let’s build the spirit of the show. Forwards ever, backwards never. We love you,” read a message from Stalile Records’ representative, Star Karokohe.
Sikepe said: “We didn’t carry on with the last show because of the payments which were not coming through. We had a meeting, and another partner promised to pay us on 28 January 2024 because it’s when he gets a bonus. Can you imagine, that’s a government employee? How can they crook us while they work for the government?”
She added that when she attempted to get hold of the team, The Wothina hitmakers, including the driver, were blocked from contacting the promoters and hosts.
“They wanted us to come with public transport. I refused, since the public transport was a bit too much for us. So, I hired the H1 Combi, which charged BY4 R30 000 to and from Namibia. I only managed to give them R15 000, only for them to drop us that side,” said the disappointed artist.
She said the promoter was sending money in small portions, which led her to pay the group R3 000 for them to practice songs and the driver so that he could take the group to Namibia.
“We agreed that he (promoter) would give the rest when we get to Namibia, but we came back empty-handed,” lamented the soulful singer.
Reached for comment on the issues that unfolded, Karokohe said, “I have nothing to tell you, my brother. What happened happened. They said what they said about me, and that’s that.” – psiririka@nepc.com.na