As Zimbabweans celebrate Heroes Day, a Heroes Gala has been organised at the Harare International Conference Centre where several musicians are set to perform tonight.
Popular South African Pop music duo Mafikizolo are headlining the concert where artists like Sandra Ndebele, Andy Muridzo, Mark Ngwazi and Roki will also be performing.
However, outspoken Zimdancehall artist Seh Calaz has bemoaned the organisers of the concert over the concert headliners. He cited that national event like the Heroes Gala should be headlined by the local artists.
“Look who is headlining our national events, Heroes, Independence, ko what happened to our local acts, tongoimba kuma rally here? nekuma passa passa, nothing against team iro but, mari irikuenda ne avo do you know inochengeta mhuri. Celebrate us tichiri vapenyu kwete zvekunyepa,” wrote Calaz on his Twitter page.
People on social media took turns to express discontent over the issue with others citing that Zimbabwean musicians are always disrespected by organisers and promoters.
This has also been the issues at other shows where local artists are paid peanuts as compared to international headliners. For upcoming artists, some have said they have been asked to perform for exposure and sometimes drinks.
However, some artists usually do not express their discontent on issues like these, something that leads promoters to continue mistreating other artists.
The issue of underpaying local artists has been going on for a long time and most of the times local artists will not have any choice but to perform because of the ailing economy in our country.
Other commentators argued that music is a unites everyone and that is the reason why the legendary Bob Marley performed at Independence Day in 1980.
We really wish the situation in the arts and entertainment industry changes and favours our local artists in all aspects.
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