Musicians, promoters sing in discord

Shingirai Madondo | Tuesday December 10, 2013 15:19

 

It is becoming evident that more and more musicians find their names linked to shows they never agreed to perform at. This has not only led to leaving fans to learn at the last minute that the musician is a no-show, but also sullied the musician’s name and reputation in the process.

A sizeable number of artists have confirmed that some promoters are advertising shows using their names without their consent in an effort to drum up support.

Atlasaone Molemogi, popularly known as ATI in the music circles said he has been a victim of “these bogus and unprofessional promoters” on a number of occasions. The much-adored ATI said these actions by some promoters tarnish the image of the artist who has worked hard to build it. “These fly-by-night promoters need to be severely dealt with. I have always been a victim,” said ATI in an interview with Showbiz.

Although he is yet to be a victim, Maghebula also known as Alfred Keorete of Gata Ka Lekeke fame said there are certain promoters who advertise artists without any agreement with them.

He said it is high time promoters and musicians engage each other in order to come up with standards that should govern them if they work together. Maghebula said such promoters short-change their fans. He added that promoters withholding the truth from fans is treating them unfairly, which in turn alienates musicians from their following.

 “Our clientele is losing faith in most musicians because of such promoters,” said Maghebula.   Frank ‘Franco’ Lesokwane shared the same sentiments as Maghebula and ATI.

“It happens a lot in our industry,” said the soft-spoken rhumba guru.

He said most important for an artist is to force a promoter to sign a contract.

Franco said promoters should be guided by what they have agreed with the artist when signing the contract.

Renowned promoter Gilbert ‘PP wa Pimpi’ Seagile said up until regulations guiding the operations of promoters in the country are in place, musicians in Botswana will continue to suffer the injustices of the current music industry.

“Promoters should be licenced,” said PP, adding that every Tom, Dick and Jerry joins the promotion industry in a bid to get attention.