Zahara defends ‘high performance fees’

The Loliwe hitmaker spoke to Sowetan on  Sunday in Potchefstroom, North West, after  her performance at an annual Family Day Festival.
“I don’t want to say if it’s true or not (whether I demand a lot of money) but so what if I am?
“I have worked hard and I believe that I am worth everything I get. We know of international artistes who come here and get paid a lot of money, but that is never a big deal,” Zahara said.

She also responded to critics who say she is “polluting the airwaves” because her songs are always on radio.
“I have seen the comments people are making on Twitter and Facebook. It does not bother me, though,” she said.
“Nhlanhla and TK (Nciza) warned me that it would be like this.”

With her album doing well, Zahara said she was  not worried about the expectations for her follow-up album.
“When I write music, it’s not to make hits but to inspire people. If people feel inspired, they’ll support you.”

She admitted that the constant travelling was starting to take its toll on her.
“I will be fine, though,” she said,  and she was off to Welkom for yet another show.

Last year Zahara was dropped from performing at a Nelson Mandela Bay concert, reportedly because she demanded a  R75 000 performance  fee.
The singing sensation made a good impression at the Metro FM Awards at Mbombela Stadium at the end of November when she and rapper AKA dominated the awards. Loliwe dominated the party scene during the festive season.

But, as compared with touring overseas musicians, particularly American musos, what Zahara charges pales into insignificance. Overseas musicians demand as much as R350 000 a gig.—Sowetan.