DJ Nzwiri complained that 95 percent of Durban artists was left behind during Durban July. Photo Facebook
WHILE other artists from all over Mzansi made money over the weekend at the Hollywoodbets Durban July event, some Durban artists watched from the sidelines.
The artists who were not booked for events related to the popular Durban July, which ran from Wednesday, 28 June, to Monday, 3 July, felt that they were being sidelined.While it goes without saying that organisers have the right to book the artists they want, many of the unbooked artists complained to the KZN Creative Arts Union to do something about it.
DJ Nzwiri, whose real name is Siphethelo Buthelezi, said it was painful that some artists from KZN were left behind.
"Ninety-five percent of the artists on the list of many Durban July events are dominated by Joburg artists. The pre- and after-parties are also dominated by artists from outside KZN province.
"Many Durban July marquees and Durban July events are organised by Joburg organisers. What does that mean for the creative industry in KZN?" he said.
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Sabelo Ngema, a member of Afro Soul, said that 90% of the artists in KZN were not working during the biggest weekend in Durban."The economy does not rely on us during the biggest weekend in Durban," he said.
The chairman of the Cultural and Creative Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) in KZN, Thokozani "Tzozo" Zulu, said many artists had called him to complain about their exclusion during the Durban July.
"CCIFSA does not only represent artists but also organisers who are under it. I will not comment further on Durban July because it is private.
"Our complaint is that the government needs to support organisers based in KZN in their events during the Easter holidays, Durban July and festive season because these events can book artists from KZN," he said.
Tzozo said that they will seek advice from Joburg artists and event organisers on how to develop the creative arts.
