Worrying Trend of Late Payment for Artists

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of events, from the process of booking an artist to the final payment.

Many Namibian artists have expressed their views on the delays of payments, a recent one being Young T who took to social media to share his opinion on why event organisers should pay up or ship out.

Recently, The Weekender received a complaint from Drusilla Anuszkiewiez, who said that her daughter and five of her friends performed at an event for Christopher The Grand in August as back-up dancers, but payments were still pending.

“He had so many wonderful promises and ideas, but they specifically promised them that they would get parental consent contracts that we should sign and would get paid the day after the performance.”

Despite a contract not being signed, the show went on and unfortunately, the dancers did not receive their money the next day. “For a few days, we all tried to get a hold of him but he was never reachable. Once he made contact again, he continued making promises about the girls getting paid.”

Her daughter found out that Lize Ehlers also performed at the event and had gotten paid. Anuszkiewiez then took matters into her own hands. “She got her money, but not the other girls,” Anuszkiewiez confirmed.

Christopher The Grand, however, says that the girls have been paid a certain amount already and he promised them extra, and that they can expect it soon. “It took some time, but I believe that when one makes a promise, you stick to it even if it takes some time. Two wrongs don’t make no right.”

Jackson Peuyelenga Felisberto, an event organiser and marketing and promotions manager, also went through a scuffle with an educational institution recently.

They were unable to pay him for equipment and an artist and delayed the payment for about three months. Although he was able to secure his money last week, he said that it was important for people to respect their clients.

“Namibian people must value and respect artists because they are working hard day and night to make a living.

We don’t want to go and steal but most of all, we want to meet the government halfway and create job opportunities for ourselves,” he said. “Namibians and every stakeholder must understand that musicians, event promotors, models and DJs are not for free and nobody must take advantage of that.”

Adding that artists are supposed build on ‘One Namibia, One Nation’, he felt that it was important to support local artists. “Thank you to everyone who takes responsibility to support us in any possible way.”