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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
UNITED Nations gender champion, Albert Nyathi says music promoters and club owners are sexually abusing female artistes at the expense of the music industry’s growth.
Speaking at a Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe and One Campaign conference on poverty recently, the dub poet said he had learnt of the abuse through female artistes who confided in him.
“Some female artistes have told me that club owners ask for sexual favours in return for gigs at their nightspots. This abuse of women should stop and the perpetrators should be brought to book,” said Nyathi.
He said the promoters were taking advantage of the artistes’ desperation. On a good night, local dance groups which comprise at least five members are paid an average of $50. Those with big names bag up to $150.
“These men take advantage of the women because some will be trying to make ends meet by using their talents. Women don’t get as many gigs as men, especially if they’re musicians. Dance groups receive peanuts causing some of them to fall into the trap of being abused by the promoters to get more gigs.”
Nyathi said the government needed to chip in with funding to supplement artistes’ income in order to try and avoid the manipulation.
“The government should directly fund female artistes so that they can empower themselves. The funding should involve equipment for the bands and vehicles to transport the equipment, as well as supplementing their income,” said Nyathi.
As a result, the arts industry has lost a considerable number of talented artistes who now shun the industry.
“Many talented female artistes have been told about the problems and abuse that others have encountered. Most parents no longer support their children forcing some to shun the music industry.” said Nyathi.
Online Reporter