Online Reporter
Muchaneta Chimuka
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
GOSPEl artist, Sikhethiwe Lismati, is bitter over how some promoters often request sexual favours from female artists as payback for the support which they will be giving those musicians.
Lismat, who hails from Chikombedzi in the Lowveld under Chief Sengwe, has just released a single titled ‘NaJesu Zvinoita.’
“As women in the music industry, we are equally vulnerable because some of our music promoters request for sexual favours, which is not fair.
“That delays our progress because they end up snubbing us if we do not comply.
“We need more female promoters for the sake of our safety in the industry.”
In her songs, she encourages communities not to succumb to societal pressure but to be patient and resilient and wait for God’s time. “Some people end up committing suicide or stealing because that are impatient.
“Our God knows what we need even before we ask— hence my song ‘NaJesu Zvinoita,” she said. In 2016, Lismat who is of the Shangaani tribe, released a five-track album.
Two of the songs were in her mother language.
The album is titled: ‘Rudo Rwenyu.’
It has songs like ‘Rudo Rwenyu Amai’, ‘Mahlomulweni’, ‘Anichavi Chumu’, ‘Tinofara Kuvapano’ and ‘Kuverengera’.
Lismati who is crying foul over sexual harrasment issues that have rocked the music industry is calling for action before the industry witnesses a surge in the number of female artists.
Bongani Ndlovu