adminCASES of musicians failing to fulfil live shows, despite being paid their dues, have been on the increase.
This unacceptable level of unprofessionalism can easily harm one’s brand.
Putting the lives of event organisers and service providers at risk is unnecessary.
Innocent revellers are always caught in the crossfire when vio-lence breaks out.
The late Soul Jah Love is one of the artists who set a wrong precedent over the past few years as he failed to attend shows despite being paid his dues.
At one point, he was arrested in Mutare after he duped a high-profile promoter who had paid him his dues.
Although he blamed it on illness, and breach of contracts in some cases, Soul Jah Love had a fallout with a number of South Africa-based music promoters over the same conduct.
Promoters would engage him at their own risk.
This appears to be the case with fellow chanter, Blot.
He recently riled Hwange fans after failing to attend a show for which he had been paid his dues.
Blot’s no-show left three people injured while beer was looted as fans turned violent when they learnt he was no longer com-ing.
His two supporting acts – Kae Chaps and Young Junita – ful-filled the show commitments but fans still wanted to see Blot in action.
What made his case unjustifiable is that the promoter had met all his monetary demands but he still didn’t show up.
There are reports that he had been booked elsewhere which resulted in him failing to fulfil the Hwange gig.
A talented artist, Blot has set a bad example as promoters are now doubtful when dealing with Zim dancehall artists.
The sad reality with some of the Zim dancehall artists is that they don’t take music as a profession.
Research has shown that talent alone, without professional-ism, is not enough.
This problem has also derailed the careers of many celebrities and athletes.
In this case, Blot had just won back the faith of music pro-moters and events managers after his battle with drugs.
He still decided to disappoint the same promoters, who are helping him resuscitate his career.
It’s really sad to know that we still have ungrateful people who don’t value the people who back them.
Absenteeism without explanation is totally unacceptable in any profession.
In Blot’s case, he had been given an opportunity to build his fan base in Matabeleland North and show them he still had the mojo.
He opted to disappoint the same people who have the poten-tial to assist him.
Arts regulatory chiefs should step in and come to the rescue of our musicians with workshops on grooming and etiquette.
Artists should engage professional handlers who are firm and brave enough to whip them into line.
Artists need to have pride in their work and to be profession-al.
Nothing beats professionalism in any field.
Greediness is harmful and unwanted in showbiz.
Online Reporter