MASKANDI legend Zibokwakhe “Phuzekhemisi” Mnyandu is ready to retire but his financial reality is against him.
Speaking to Daily Sun, he said the creative industry did not allow artists to retire comfortably.
“I’ve been toying with the idea for a while but I’ve concluded I can’t retire. If I were to retire, my family would starve to death,” he said.
Phuzekhemisi said he had served the nation and shared his knowledge with the younger generation.
“I’ve even produced multiple groups but I still can’t retire,” he said.
“I know people will argue that artists ought to save and invest when they are at their peak but this is not always possible. What most people don’t understand is that our industry is not a walk in the park. Most of us, especially the legends, are exploited.
“Recording companies use our talent and dump us as the industry is not regulated.”
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Phuzekhemisi called on the government to regulate the industry so artists were able to retire.
Phuzekhemisi, who will be turning 60 this year, has been in the industry for over 40 years. At the peak of his career, he toured the world.
He’s also been featured in a number of plays.
“It’s time to enjoy the fruits of my labour but I can’t. I have to work until I die. I still enjoy the stage but I need a break.”
Phuzekhemisi warned young maskandi artists to make sure they had skills that would be useful in the future.
“My advice is to go to school. Do not put all your eggs in one basket.”