THE Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF) is embroiled in controversy. While discussions rage about the proposed $300 000 budget for the upcoming edition, a critical issue remains unresolved: the outstanding payments to artists who performed in 2021.
The event, which returns this year, coincides with the commemorations of the day Bulawayo was declared a city on June 1.
On June 1, 1894, the city of Bulawayo was established as a town while the local authority declared the same day as the Bulawayo Day in October 2019, marking annual commemorations.
Many performers haven't been fully compensated, and some haven't received a penny for their work. Reportedly, contracts guaranteed payment of $100 to $150 within two weeks of the festival.
This news casts a shadow over the proposed budget. Comedian Ntando Van Moyo, partially paid for his 2021 performance, expressed concerns. He emphasized the importance of a well-funded festival but stressed that funds must reach the artistes, "the lifeblood" of the event.
“I didn’t receive full payment and it’s disappointing that they chose to treat artistes the way they did to the extent of even ignoring them,” Moyo said.
"The proposed budget is a noble one as long as it will be used to pay the artistes and fund proper infrastructure.
“Worldwide, we see serious budgets that are why artistes there are empowered.
“The problem arises when the money doesn't go to the intended beneficiaries and ends up lining the pockets of the bigwigs.”
Thandy Dhlana said she had not received anything since 2021 and there was no communication from the organisers.
“It’s been a long time. We have engaged with them to no avail and it’s not clear who is responsible for the payment, and we have given up on chasing after the payment,” she said.
"We hope that budget which is being debated on will benefit the artistes who are the lifeblood of the festival.”
Last year when Standard Style contacted Nhimbe Trust executive director Josh Nyapimbi said the city fathers were responsible for the payment.
“Please note that payments were, and are handled by the BCC finance department. As of today I am not aware who has and hasn't been paid,” he said.
“The role of Nhimbe Trust is exclusively that of technical partner and therefore doesn't include payment of artistes’ fees for the BAF edition in question and beyond.
“When did the artistes approach your publication and who are they? I ask as I am aware that recently BCC convened a meeting with artistes, where this matter was addressed.”