MZANSI'S veteran musicians find themselves stranded in their own country, grappling with bankruptcy, rejection, and criticism.
These former icons including Mercy Phakela, William Mthethwa, Sidney Mogopodi, Jerry Phele and Paul Lechalaba once battled apartheid through their music when it was risky to do so, now face daily struggles.
The veterans claim they were exploited by the apartheid regime through deceptive contracts and oppressive policies. Despite their sacrifices, the democratic government has overlooked them, leading them to consider themselves as the "forgotten freedom fighters".
In an exclusive interview with Daily Sun, Rre Sidney Mogopodi, who rose to fame in the '80s and '90s with the hit Mama's Baby shared his heartbreak.
He revealed that many music veterans have died broke due to the current government's neglect.
ALSO READ | Top actor roaring from KZN to America!Opens in new window
"The apartheid system has generated money at our cost and left us poor. Music companies were owned and run by whites. We had to sign contracts that were written in English, and I was a poor Motswana from Mahikeng who's not familiar with the language.
"Some of the clauses didn't live up to expectation. We found ourselves saying yes where we were supposed to say no. During apartheid we had no rights, contracts were drafted somewhere, and we just attached our signatures. We were in the music industry to inform, educate and entertain. But someone saw an opportunity to make money," he said.
Mogopodi expressed his dismay at the veterans' current status, stating that despite their critical role in fighting apartheid, they have been sidelined since the advent of democracy.
"I'm surprised to see that we now occupy the back seat. Even when most of our comrades were in other countries, we kept the home fires burning. We don't know what happened when democracy came about. We've been forgotten," he said.
Mogopodi also highlighted that some musicians have suffered from severe depression and ultimately died in poverty.
At the weekend, the veteran singer and other old musicians performed in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, marking their return after years of silence.
For more news and entertainment in the palm of your hand, follow our WhatsApp Channel viathis link
