CONTROVERSIAL musician Benny Mayengani has shown the SABC’s Munghana Lonene Xitsonga Music Awards the middle finger.
He released a statement on social media saying he was withdrawing from the awards and claimed he had been carrying the event.
Benny’s manager, King Chauke, said the public broadcaster had short-changed them and devalued their brand.
STEVE LEKOELEA BEFORE AND AFTER!
Benny claimed his association with the awards harmed his brand. Last year he organised an event in Polokwane called BennyManyenganiFill, but failed to fill up Peter Mokaba Stadium.
“The awards, previously associated with violence and fatalities, were formed to celebrate Tsonga music and have for the past few years been criticised for certain musicians always winning,” he wrote.
The awards were relaunched last month with a new nomination process.
Station manager Lawrence Ubisi said people were asked to SMS their preferred nominees. King said he and Benny’s five-year plan didn’t include the radio station anymore. “We don’t benefit from this initiative and the awards are using our brand to attract people.” SABC spokeswoman Vuyo Mthembu said the broadcaster noted Benny’s withdrawal and wished him well.
