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Under-appreciated artists question performing for mahala

Under-appreciated artists question performing for mahala

Several artists have questioned why they are requested to perform pro bono in honour of late Founding President Sam Nujoma when most of them barely make enough to put bread on the table. 

They have since come out guns blazing, shunning the organisers of the late Founding President Sam Nujoma Concert requesting artists to perform for free. 

Comedian Mich Gaoseb stated that this kind of exploitation is the very reason why so many of Namibia’s legendary artists, across various fields, died in poverty, forgotten and reduced to a mere joke to the same people they entertained for years. 

The education ministry called on artists to perform pro bono at the Sam Nujoma tribute concert, which is slated for 26 February 2024 at the Independence Arena.

“Artists in Namibia face an immense struggle every day. Many sacrifice their time, health and emotional well-being, all for the sake of their craft – often at the expense of their families and children. They pour their hearts and souls into creating and performing, only to be treated like second-class citizens. We are expected to continue performing without payment, as our value is zero. How long will we accept being dehumanised in this way? How long will we allow our work to be treated as expendable?” probed Gaoseb.

He urge every Namibian artist, regardless of genre, style, or stature, to boycott the idea of performing at any memorial tribute concert or event that does not offer fair compensation for your time and work.

“Do not allow yourself to be devalued by organisations or institutions that would rather exploit your art than respect it,” he said.

Education executive director Sanet Steenkamp acknowledged the disparities highlighted in the messages she has received regarding compensation and the treatment of artists during past memorial events.

“You are absolutely right. Artists contribute immense value, not just as entertainers, but as providers of emotional and psychological comfort to our people, especially in moments of collective grief,” she stated.

Steenkamp added that the invitation for artists to perform was extended as an opportunity to pay tribute to the late Nujoma.

“While the budget is indeed limited, requiring difficult decisions on fund allocation, this in no way diminishes the appreciation we have for your creative contributions. There is no intention to exploit your talent or presence,” she said.

Steenkamp added, “From our understanding, artists who performed at previous memorial services did so pro bono as a gesture of tribute and gratitude for the legacy left behind by the Founding Father. I believe that the concerns raised should spark not just meaningful dialogue, but also lead to the development of clear guidelines that recognise both the professional and cultural contributions of our artistic community.”

Local rapper JBlack took it to social media, disappointed with his fellow creatives for wanting to be compensated.

“This is a funeral for crying out loud; if you want to get paid, it simply means you don’t care about paying tribute and showing homage to our fallen leader. In this time, as artists, money is the last thing we should talk about,” he vented.

He added that the late founding president is a major part of the reason Namibia got its independence, and without him, artists would not be able to perform freely around the country.

“You are not going to get rich doing gigs every weekend. Even if you are booked this whole year, you won’t get rich. If you plan on getting rich, the music industry isn’t a place to do it,” he said.

-psiririka@nepc.com.na