Promoters hit back at BOT50
Sharon Mathala | Wednesday May 25, 2016 16:13
Last week Monday, MYSC and BOT 50 slammed local promoters saying that they sometimes fail to pay artists, which is why some have not been included in the build-up celebrations. They, however, said that they are willing to discuss the matter with local promoters and map a way forward. The next day, BOMU held a meeting with artists to discuss the same issue, at Gaborone West Community Hall. The meeting, however, did not reach a consensus, which led to BOMU writting to the ministry proposing that they meet with the disgruntled artists.
Yesterday, the BEPA called a press brief on the whole saga. Massie Hule of DJ Association started by laying the background of the dispute. He said that the dispute began back in 2015 when the ministry hosted the Botswana Electronic Music Festival (BEMF).
“We were told about the BEMF when all contracts had already been signed. Initially we thought it was a great idea to have the first of its kind being streamed live in major cities and towns. The only problem we had was that locals had been sidelined. They had a line-up of seven foreign acts and only two local artists,” Hule said.
Hule did not deny that the minister responsible, Thapelo Olopeng, had asked them to come up with one body that represents all arts sectors. He revealed at the press conference that they did this and submitted the document to, Dineo Phuti, at the ministry who then refused to sign or acknowledge receipt of the document. For her part, The President of BEPA, Zenzele Hirschfeld strongly condemned the statement by BOT50, and demanded an apology out of them. Amongst other things Hirschfeld said, “We are still advising ourselves on what to do legally. But I can confirm that tonight (yesterday) we will draft a letter to President Ian Khama and deliver it to his office tomorrow morning (today).” She continued, “ If all else failed we will take this matter to the next level”. Some of the other concerns are that BOT50 stages free entrance shows days before the already scheduled ones for local promoters.
Promoters explained that when BOT50 contracts artists for free entrance shows, it makes it difficult for them (promoters) to share the stage with the same artists, where people pay. Promoters said they would be left to clean up the ‘mess’ once the country’s golden jubilee is done.