VIP Treatment for International Artists or Common Courtesy?

Events featuring international artists have long been considered more lucrative when compared to events headlining local artists.

Now, local artists unhappy with the status quo are speaking out about what they feel is discrimination.

A local club owner running a number of popular establishments does not agree.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he says events like KasiVibe Namibia are strategically aimed at empowering local acts.

He also says establishment owners often go out of their way to make these venues available free of charge, including carrying the logistics costs themselves.

He says local artists take 100% of the gate fees during events, while the establishment owner makes a loss at the bar or kitchen.

In reality, club owners believe that because of the attitude of Namibian fans to their own artists, events headlined by local artists end up being charity cases for event organisers who make great financial losses.

“Its not the organisers or the establishments with the problem, its the Namibian consumers, the fans that never come out and support their own.

“They rather come out in numbers and break down doors for international acts. Its a sad truth,” he says.

At the uber popular The Catch Lounge and Restaurant, tickets for tables went for N$25 000 for a gig headlined by South African musicians DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, and were sold out in less than a week. This allowed the establishment owner to book these artists into one of Windhoeks most expensive hotels.

Meanwhile, local rapper Lioness took to Twitter to blast local establishments for not according local artists and creatives the same VIP treatment.

“Also, you artists accepting the bare minimum is the gag for me. Yall be told to stand up so the other artist can sit where you are sitting, respect yourselves,” she tweeted.

She also highlighted the need for music journalists and publicists to educate the public about the work of local musicians.

“Namibians, what is the problem? Do you guys not enjoy the music we make? Is the price at the door too expensive? Why dont you guys come out in numbers?” Lioness tweeted.

The Union of Night Liquor Business Operators (Unlibo) national coordinator Philip Ajueshi says its not fair to say local clubs and lounges neglect local artists.

He believes when it comes to business, everyone wants the best but says local artists must do more to brand themselves better.

“You cannot expect nightclubs or lounges to invest in an artist that is not a brand. No nightclub or lounge would invest in a local artist that has not perfected his or her trade.

“You cannot expect me to invest all that money if you dont have followers, if you dont have quality music, professionalism and character.

“We cannot work with you if you are out in the streets fighting and living irresponsible lives,” he says.

Instead, bar and club owners are looking for artists who strive to be professional, not creatives who record their music in their bedrooms or on a cellphone.

“Now artists like Gazza, King Tee Dee, Boss Madam or most of the female artists in Namibia have perfected their trade and we invite them to perform at our shows, and pay them good money because they have responsible lifestyles and followers who are beneficial.”

Explaining the VIP treatment accorded to international artists, the owner says its simple hospitality accorded to visitors to the country.

“When you have a guest visiting your home for the first time, you bring out all sorts of drinks and food and give them entertainment, because they are new. You dont do it for your neighbours or those in your own backyard.

“There is no point in being jealous about this, because it is not every day that you will have the opportunity to treat international artists.”

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