Share

ANC couldn't afford to pay artists to perform at manifesto launch

accreditation

Politicians, entertainers and slay queens descended on the coastal town for politics, parties and blessers

Popular artists billed to perform at the ANC manifesto launch on Saturday were a no-show, allegedly because the party couldn’t afford their fees.

Well-placed sources told City Press on Saturday morning that stars including popular hitmaker Master KG and talented rapper Kwesta were intended to perform, but were told just a few days before the event that the party couldn’t afford them because its budget was “tight”.

Another well-placed source told City Press that Kwesta was offered not more than R35 000, which is not even half of his usual performance fee.

“This is strange because some of the artists were given the programme in advance. It is unprofessional and unacceptable. Some of the artists didn’t accept gigs elsewhere because they were booked for the ANC manifesto. What is sad is that they were only offering to pay artists from R10 000 to R35 000 and not more than that. So it was take it or leave it,” he said.

Master KG’s manager, Lionel Jamela, confirmed that he was no longer performing, but refused to state the reason.

Kwesta’s manager, Nhlamulo Baloyi, confirmed that the rapper had been looking forward to performing in Durban, but they had to decline the booking because they were not happy with “the offer”.

City Press tried to obtain comment from the ANC on Saturday but, with the manifesto launch, the party’s head of elections Fikile Mbalula was unreachable by phone.

Durban is known for throwing the best parties and many people were eager to attend and brush shoulders with their favourite celebrities and politicians.

However, there were few big names to be seen.

On Thursday night, in the city’s party hub, Florida Road in Morningside, it was only the popular Cubana that was packed to capacity.

Revellers let their hair down, dancing to gqom, the city’s signature music genre. Even then, there were few celebrities, politicians and big spenders to be seen.

There were whispers that some held their own private parties at their hotels and penthouses, with many booking into the five-star Beverly Hills and Oyster Box hotels in Umhlanga.

It was only at the ANC gala dinner on Friday, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, where the famous folk were spotted.

Singer Kelly Khumalo and actress Khanyi Mbau were seen looking stylish as always, with their baes.

Khanyi Mbau and her boyfriend, Tebogo Lerole Picture: Leon Sadiki

But all eyes were on Environmental Affairs Minister Nomvula Mokonyane in a long pink dress that showed off a little cleavage.

That same night, City Press also spotted a few popular faces at Views at Twenty5 in Morningside.

Popular Joburg slay queens Faith Nketsi and her good friend Kim Kholiwe were dressed to the nines and made a grand entrance with the award-winning DJ Maphorisa.

DJ Maphorisa plays at the ANC afterparty at Skybar Picture: Leon Sadiki/City Press

They made their way to the VIP area, where they relaxed and sipped Champagne, as they were not hosting on the night.

The deejay and his decks were on fire, and Zakes Bantwini came out and took his deejaying to a whole new level. The crowd went wild for his hit Take Me to the Ghetto.

Midway through the producer’s set, he switched off the sound and sang struggle songs, and for a little while everyone felt like they were at an ANC rally.

City Press spotted free-spirited Uzalo actor Khaya Dladla dancing like a 16-year-old, while former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Thabo Nthethe had the time of his life on the dance floor.

Actor Khaya Dladla and soccer player Thabo Nthethe Picture: Leon Sadiki

We also spotted a posse of Mpumalanga-based slay queens, who asked not to be named.

One of them told City Press that she travelled by bus to Durban with her friends to look for a blesser.

“My friends and I have been here since Thursday and we are not going back without getting a man to bless our luxurious life,” said the petite 22-year-old.

Her friend added that they didn’t have a place to sleep when they arrived, but a “good Samaritan” had “blessed” them with accommodation at one of the city’s popular estates.

However, it did not come for free. The young women were anticipating providing “sexual favours” as their way of saying thank you to their blessers.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you believe that the various planned marches against load shedding will prompt government to bring solutions and resolve the power crisis?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes
21% - 103 votes
No
79% - 389 votes
Vote