Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Langalakhe Mabena
Tshibilika musician Madlela Skhobokhobo is an angry man.
He feels promoters are short-changing local artistes as they seem to be promoting acts which come outside the city and the country — giving them too much spotlight that overshadows the existence of Bulawayo creatives.
Madlela’s frustration is that promoters were looking down upon local acts and paid them less than artistes from outside the country and city.
Madlela dreams of a united Bulawayo artistes’ association that will see them staging their own shows. DJ Khehla as Madlela is also known, said ready to start a fight in making sure local acts are respected.
“I am going to fight tooth and nail for local talent. I am sick and tired of us playing second fiddle. We need to reclaim what’s ours — it’s time. Those that came before us failed. We can’t fail as well, those that came before us accepted the status quo and gave up. In our generation, we can’t give up.
“Mark my words, we will fix the entertainment industry of our region. We as people need to rise and stand for ourselves and prepare for our future. Dear artistes, those who are prepared to fight with me, let’s fold our sleeves and be prepared for war. We can’t allow ourselves to be led by people who have no interest in improving our sector.
“Please note, I write this as a pissed-off 45-year-old man who has just celebrated his birthday and realised that unless and until we fight, this will go on and on. I know there are people who will say I am a mere artiste who knows nothing, but I feel like now it’s time we fix things. If there are no creatives who are willing to join me in this, then the late Don Gumbo, Solomon Skhuza, Cont Mhlanga, Makey Teekays, Nduna Malaba, Madlezibabayo and others will have to rise from their graves,” said Madlela.
Other local acts like Msiz’ Kay and celebrated teacher and playwright Thabani Hillary (TH) Moyo were siding with Madlela and have dedicated themselves as available soldiers ready to fight for the cause. Moyo gave credit to Madlela for raising his sentiments.
“Madlela’s passion for uplifting local talent is inspiring and much-needed in our creative industry. His commitment to reclaiming our space and ensuring we no longer play second fiddle resonates deeply with many of us. His call to action is a reminder that change starts with unity and determination.
“However, as we prepare for this, let’s ensure we strategise wisely. Let’s bring together not only our anger but also our skills, creativity, and resilience. Let’s collaborate with others who share the same vision and make deliberate efforts to build sustainable structures for our entertainment industry.
“He is right; the time for change is now, and it starts with bold steps. As we honour the legacies of legends like Don Gumbo, Solomon Skhuza, and Cont Mhlanga, let’s also innovate and push boundaries they may not have reached. Fighting for local talent doesn’t mean fighting against others — it means creating opportunities, demanding fairness, and ensuring our voices are heard.
“Let’s lead with purpose, humility, and focus. Madlela’s energy is contagious, and with the right mindset, this can be the beginning of a real transformation. The future is in our hands,” said Moyo.
However, in a previous interview with B-Metro, celebrated promoter Mduduzi Mdlongwa, who is the co-founder and director of 3D Events said as promoters, their focus on selecting which artiste to bring is always business oriented.
“It has to be noted that as promoters we are into business, so, whatever we do is all about making money. We don’t do this as a form of social responsibility or charity work.
“Firstly, we always treat artistes from all walks of life as a product. We identify a product (artiste) that is in demand at that period. We then study market dynamics like the targeted audience and the place where we can strategically place the product (show).
“All this research will give us a budget for the money we will spend on the event, and also give us an estimation of the profit we will make. We don’t tolerate losses,” explained Mdlongwa.
In the case of not promoting many shows headlined by Bulawayo artistes, Mdlongwa said local acts lack the business aspect of managing their products and careers.
He gave a case study of the Bulawayo Music Carnival (BMC), an event that he organised to promote local creatives, but 3D made losses on all the two events which were supposed to be held annually.
