LOCALS ON BOYCOTTING ARTISTS PERFORMING AT STATE EVENTS

MBABANE - Amid the current political climate, should local artists who perform at state events be boycotted?

A few days ago, social media was abuzz especially on Twitter soon after local acts had performed at the Reconstruction Fund launch which was held at the Mandvulo Hall in Lozitha. The artists who performed for the audience that had gathered at the event were Bholoja, Symphony and gospel artist Nduduzo Matse. The bone of contention emanated from one twitter user who blasted all three artists for choosing to honour an invitation to perform  at the state event amid the political tensions which have been experienced in the past few months. The user labelled the artists as ‘being in bed’ with what he termed as the ‘evil Eswatini Government and further said: “We shouldn’t vote for them in any event that requires the participation of the public.” However, some of the comments cannot be included because of their derogatory nature.

Another user went on to add that in as much as they understood that the artists were trying to put food on the table, why haven’t they shown support for the struggle? The user went on to rhetorically ask why the artists haven’t shown support for the ‘struggle’ and branded them loyalists of the state. However, this was met with differing views as some twitter users felt that the artists were unfairly judged in this case, since the arts sector has been one of the most affected industries with over 18 months of no income and still counting for local artists; all this owing to the harsh economic repercussions brought by the coronavirus pandemic. It is worth noting that since gatherings in the country are only restricted to only 200 for outdoor events, something which event organisers have cried foul over, citing that it was nearly impossible to make profits under the circumstances.

Discontent

In the same light, events promoters expressed their discontent over the arts sector being sidelined and being the last in line when it came to its grievances addressed by the government. Co-founder of Antidote Music, Talent manager and Cultural Entrepreneur Mmely Hlanze, when sought for comment regarding this issue said he felt infuriated that local artists were always the low hanging fruit. “Are people now going to boycott the bank that donated money for the fund? Are you going to boycott the same government that employs you? Why should artists always be an easy target as these are the same people who were without an income for over 18 months and now people are telling them to say no to an income? It does not make sense!” he said.

Hlanze went on to say that he did not like the tendency of selective outrage which was always directed to local artists who only use their craft as a means to feed their families. “Are we really at that point where because we differ in our views that one must suffer and starve because of differing political views,” he rhetorically asked. Meanwhile, Director of Communications at the King’s Office Percy Simelane said: “The freedoms of the artists who performed at Mandvulo Grand Hall on Independence Day is guaranteed by the Constitution under the Bill of Rights. Any attack on them for having exercised their Freedom of Choice is an abominable attack on their rights. It would be ironic if liberators of the people cannot liberate the same people from themselves.

 



 
 

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