FAKE OR GENUINELY FINE LIFESTYLES?
. . . Showbiz gurus speak out
SOME local showbiz gurus feel some youthful artists are putting themselves under pressure to parade fake lifestyles on social media.
Zim dancehall star Jah Signal recently made headlines after he claimed to have purchased a new Range Rover for his wife.
Enzo Ishall also paraded what he said was his sixth car on social media.
Events management guru, Wanisayi “Mahwindo” Mtandwa said most young artists were parading fake lifestyles in public.
“There is no money being made in showbiz because things are tough,” she said.
“Most of these guys are liars and I can bet my last dollar that they are not making a killing in showbiz. We all know the money they are charging and what they are paid.
“I think these guys must sit down with the likes of Alick Macheso and learn more about life.
“The fake lifestyles they portray on social media will bring them down.”
Benjamin Nyandoro of Jive Zimbabwe
said:
“There are certain unwritten attributes that are expected to be associated with a celebrity.
‘This is not peculiar to Zimbabwe but a general belief that a celebrity, in this case, an artist, should live a lavish life and spend on cars and beautiful houses.
“It builds pressure on fellow artists who cannot afford to fit the perceived template of a successful artist.
“I do not believe that the industry is making enough. Artists compensate for the non-performance of the industry with extra-curricular activities, mostly behind closed doors.”
Filmmaker Taonga Mafundikwa siad:
“My take is these youngsters are mostly doing it out of pressure.
“There are a few who are doing well but the truth is that most of them are struggling in the real sense of the word.
“The industry is not giving due “CC” rewards to practitioners.”
Music promoter, Parton “Chipaz” Chimbodza, said:
“I wouldn’t know if they are parading fake lifestyles as I believe it should be their secret. The fact that these things are happening is a milestone for the industry if they are parading real wealth.
“To be frank, the industry is rewarding and I am happy it is happening in all genres as most of these artists have built houses and drive nice cars, which is a good sign of growth.
“It should grow bigger so that they can run their companies that can support their families when they retire.”