As South Africa commemorates Heritage Month, legendary musician Babsy Mlangeni, 82, has called on young artists to set their priorities straight by investing in property and securing stable housing.

Speaking to IOL on Tuesday, Mlangeni reflected on the harsh realities facing creatives in the entertainment industry, which is grappling with shrinking job opportunities and an evolving media landscape dominated by social media skills rather than traditional platforms.

Hailing from Vosloorus, East Rand in Johannesburg, Mlangeni expressed deep concern over the struggles faced by musicians, actors, and other creatives who find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. 

“I have spent my entire adult life in the industry, and I know just how complicated things can get for many young, talented people,” he said.

“The world has changed, and what we traditionally considered a lifetime career can no longer feed our families as artists.”

The veteran artist urged emerging creatives to prioritise tangible assets, particularly property – to ensure a roof over their heads during inevitable dry spells. 

“I want to encourage them to prioritise property and ensure that they have a roof, proper housing, and the ability to survive when they can no longer get gigs to perform and work,” Mlangeni stated.

Reflecting on his choices, Mlangeni revealed that some famous colleagues remain homeless because they avoided settling in townships. 

“Sometimes in life, we need to prioritise what’s important,” he noted. 

“I decided to remain in the township with the people because I knew that my records would no longer sell one day, so it is important to remember that the worst could always happen.”

Although he can no longer perform due to age, Mlangeni expressed gratitude for being surrounded by family and the simple comforts of home.

His message resonates in a broader context where South Africa’s entertainment industry creatives face mounting financial difficulties. 

Over recent decades, leading television creatives and performers have grappled with a lack of stable income and insufficient support systems. 

Actors, for instance, are typically hired as freelancers without access to royalties from subsequent broadcasts of their work. This arrangement leaves many without pensions, health coverage, or other essential benefits normally afforded to full-time employees.

As the nation celebrates its rich heritage this month, Mlangeni’s words serve as a sobering reminder of the need for foresight and financial prudence amidst the passion for the arts.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

IOL Politics

Source link