DJ KBoz recently exposed a client who had not settled their debt for work done.
However, this may be shocking for some, but for people like Yours Truly who have been around for more than a decade, this is not the first time clients have been exposed by creative professionals like DJ KBoz for not settling a debt for services rendered.
I’ve always been undecided on the notion of exposing clients who do not settle their debts or taking forever to settle it. When I say forever, I mean a lack of communication on when the debt will be settled. When I mean forever, this includes ghosting. I’ve never really exposed a client who did not settle their debts.
Trust me, I can, however, it’s just something about the notion of ‘exposing’ that does not sit well with me in general. The good Lord knows that I too have a couple of clients who owe me money.
The most ridiculous case in my books is a loud mouth-washed up rapper who has more Facebook posts sulking about the media not giving his failed career any attention than actual hits. This manchild owes me N$300 from hosting an event for him and three of his buddies in 2013/2014. I can’t even recall the exact year.
That’s how ridiculous and old this sh*t is. But I’ve never exposed him or any of my other clients who owe me money. So, the question is, to expose or not to expose?
I understand both sides of the coin. I understand DJ KBoz for taking that route. It’s frustrating to have to beg someone to pay you money that you rightfully earned. Again, the lack of communication is the ultimate middle finger. That agitates one into taking such action. Like exposing or taking a legal route.
As creative practitioners, we don’t necessarily have the cushion that the eight-to-five gang enjoy. In the world of a creative practitioner, nothing is guaranteed. This is because creative practitioners operate on a freelance basis. The concept of freelancing is as straightforward as Sophia Shaningwa’s vibes. No work, no pay.
So, every cent is important. Including that N$300 that this hitless rapper that no one gives two cents about, owes me.
However, on the other hand, I also understand creative practitioners who rather opt to swallow the bitter pill and accept that this debt will never be paid. Most do it to keep their reputation intact. In a tiny industry like ours, one can easily lose gigs when the rest of the market feels uneasy about working with you.
What if we end up owing this creative practitioner and they end up exposing us as well?, they reason.
Which is also a weird notion because why are you booking a creative practitioner if you are unable to pay their worth? Why do you take light years to settle their invoice knowing very well the realities of a creative practitioner? You, the dearest creative practitioner will have to figure out who you are as a business entity and decide on what you will be comfortable with.
Are you the DJ KBoz of this industry? Or are you the NSK of this industry? To expose or not to expose?
Until the next Loop, we say #GMTM
Need an MC? I’m YOUR guy.
Hit me up…naobebsekind@gmail.com