FORMER Idols SA judge and veteran singer and actress Marah Louw is facing challenges.
The former Muvhango actress claimed that artists her age are struggling to get basic health insurance. She said as an artist she doesn't have cash for medical aid.
The 72-year-old actress, who was born in Orlando West, Soweto, started singing when she was 10 years old.
She started singing with Imilonji Kantu Choir. In 1973, Marah joined Caiphus Semenya's musical Meropa and toured Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, South Africa and London and sang for the queen at a Royal Command Performance in 1975.
Marah spoke at a march where artists were protesting against record labels, and claimed they sabotaged her music.
“Most of the tracks, Take Me To The River, I Can’t Stop Myself and others were number one on all radio stations, but the album was not available in stores because they wanted me to compete with the likes of Brenda Fassie,” she said.
Mara also mentioned that she never received a cent for her music.
“As I'm still standing, when these songs are playing on the radio and everywhere, we get nothing. I've never received a penny for any of the songs. Absolutely nothing. I make my money by being on stage performing, acting or writing.”
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She also revealed that she was informed that her records were not sold because distributors were told to throw them away.
“In 1982, I recorded an album. Journalists and other record companies complained about it, saying it was the most expensive record. I had arranged a big band orchestra for that album."
Marah said she recorded songs she didn't like, and never performed them live.
“I recorded some of these songs. There's one that I despise, I don’t want to lie. 50/50 I've never performed it live. I didn't feel it, it wasn’t me.”
