Dumi Mkokstad cancels Eswatini event: Cites unpaid performance fees
“I THINK my concern here is people who bought the tickets to see udumi Mkokstad. After you have used his face as the main artist to promote your event, lie to him and ask for extra time so you can meet what he had requested from you.” These were the words used by the artist in explaining his decision to withdraw from the event.
“He understood and gave you time, but you failed and couldn’t even apologise. Now that people have bought tickets, you decide to cancel and remove his face. Yet he was the main artist on your poster. On top of that, you fail to apologise and you are acting innocent and are here calling him beloved yet you have shown him nothing but disrespect.”
Dumi Mkokstad posted the message after he cancelled his performance at the Gospel Worship Clinic and Festival held on Saturday at Mavuso Trade Centre.
“I guess this is a strategy, to use a known face to draw people and intentionally not pay the artist, knowing that people have bought tickets anyway. Then tell the South African artist that you won’t be able to give them what is due to them. Then use “the ‘Abazalwane’ language to act innocent,” Mkokstad further posted.
This post comes after he was allegedly not paid what was due to him. According to the artist, he was told to be patient with his payment, until the last minute when the event organisers told him that they could not pay him as per his booking agreement.
This raises concerns in the local music industry. In the dynamic world of artistry, securing your worth as an artist is not just about talent but also about ensuring you get paid what you deserve.
One crucial aspect of this is the booking fee - a non-negotiable element that ensures artists are compensated for their time, effort, and creativity. So, what can artists do to make sure they receive their booking fee in full?
First and foremost, setting clear expectations from the get-go is key. Establishing a written agreement that outlines the terms of the booking, including the fee amount, payment schedule, and any additional costs, can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure both parties are on the same page.
Additionally, building a strong professional network and reputation can work wonders in securing your booking fee. By cultivating relationships with reliable event organizers, agents, and venues, artists can increase their chances of being paid fairly for their work.
Embracing technology can also be a game-changer for artists looking to streamline their payment process. Utilizing online payment platforms, invoicing tools, and digital contracts can not only make transactions more efficient but also provide a paper trail for any potential disputes.
Furthermore, standing firm on your worth and value as an artist is crucial. By confidently communicating your booking fee and the reasons behind it, you are more likely to be taken seriously and respected for your craft.
In some instances, just like Dumi’s, artists are not paid what is due to them.
This situation becomes even more disheartening when artists are not paid their booking fee for an event where they are prominently featured as a key figure or face.
So, what can artists do when faced with the injustice of not receiving their full payment for a high-profile event they were booked for?
Communication is key. Artists should reach out to the event organizers or responsible parties to address the issue professionally and respectfully. Expressing concerns about the missing payment and providing documentation of the agreed-upon booking fee can help clarify any misunderstandings and prompt action to rectify the situation.
If initial attempts to resolve the payment discrepancy prove unsuccessful, artists may need to consider seeking legal advice or mediation. Consulting with a lawyer specializing in entertainment law can provide valuable guidance on the next steps to take, including sending formal demand letters or pursuing legal action to recover the unpaid booking fee.
Also, leveraging public exposure and social media can be a powerful tool for artists to raise awareness about their situation and garner support from their fan base and the artistic community. By sharing their story and highlighting the importance of fair compensation for artists, they can put pressure on the responsible parties to fulfil their financial obligations.
Ultimately, artists should not hesitate to advocate for themselves and stand up for their rights to be fully paid for their work. By taking proactive steps, seeking support from legal professionals, and harnessing the power of public advocacy, artists can navigate the challenging landscape of unpaid booking fees with resilience and determination.
For the other party, the organisers, when a situation like this arises, when an artist, who has not been fully paid for a booked event, takes to social media to announce the cancellation of the show, and publicly address the issue of unpaid fees, transparency and communication are essential.
Event organisers should promptly reach out to the artist to address the payment discrepancy and work towards a resolution. Open dialogue and a willingness to listen to the artist’s concerns can help prevent further escalation of the situation and demonstrate a commitment to resolving the issue fairly and professionally.
In Dumi Mkokstad’s case, the organisers of the event, Emgambeni Empire, issued a press release which read, “We are saddened to inform you that Dumi Mkokstad will no longer be performing at the Gospel Worship Clinic and Festival at Mauso Trade Centre, due to unresolved financial agreements between our companies. We want to clarify that the event has not been cancelled, contrary to any statements on social media. We apologize for any inconvenience caused, especially to those who were looking forward to Dumi’s presence. If you attended primarily for him and wish to seek a refund, please submit your tickets/etickets to our Whatsapp number (7662 3218) for necessary processing. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”
In this case, organisers should consider the impact of the artist’s social media announcement on their event and reputation. Proactively addressing the cancellation with attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders, and providing clear and honest communication about the situation can help mitigate any negative fallout and maintain trust and credibility in the eyes of the public.