BOT50 pays Somizi Mhlongo half a million pula for two days' job

Local artists say they feel insulted by the BOT50 celebrations’ organisers after a well-known South African chorographer and Idols judge Somizi Mhlongo allegedly pocketed close to half a million pula in only two days for teaching Batswana dancers some dance moves using Vee, Charma Gal and Culture Spears’ songs.

Now local artists are disappointed and feel insulted. They say they have their own songs which can be used to sell Botswana during her celebration of 50 years of independence. Mhlongo also choreographed for the African youth games in Gaborone after he suggested that Botswana invest in choreography than depend on international choreographers who come costly.

As if that is not enough, local artists who were taught some moves by Mlhongo are also complaining that BOT50 has not informed them how much they will be paid at the end of the official opening ceremony of BOT50 in Gaborone. A source in the BOT50 theatre piece from Mhlongo complained that the celebrations are meant for Batswana on paper and not in practice.He said the whole thing revolves around foreigners as they are the ones issuing orders and getting the chunk of money meant to empower local performers.

“Mhlongo is a much respected performer, but there was no point to waste money on him since there are capable locals who could have done even a better job looking at the fact that the celebrations are about Botswana and only Batswana can do better as they understand their own culture as compared to foreigners. To make matters worse, it was disrespectful for him to come and teach us dance moves on our local artists’ songs and I wonder why BOT50 did not involve such artists to help him so that they can also get paid. It is very unfair for artists whose songs are used without them getting even a single cent.

Vee and Charma Gal know their songs better than Mhlongo and it’s a pity that they have been overlooked,” the source said. Charity Kgotlafela of BOT50 celebrations was evasive for over two weeks when contacted for comment and declined to reveal the amount paid to Mhlongo before referring all questions to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and culture public relations unit which also sent this reporter back to Kgotlafela as they said she is above them.

Thapelo Maleka aka MC Maswe did not hide his displeasure and told this publication that his dancers formed part of the group that was trained by Mhlongo but is disappointed that they did not bring home a contract specifying their conditions of service with B0T50 and how much they will be paid.

“This is not fair. Mhlongo is from South Africa. He was paid close to half a million pula and I wonder why locals are not given money for the job they are doing? If this is our celebration let it reflect so rather than empower foreigners at the expense of locals.” He said if BOT50 is serious about the celebrations, they should up their game and draft contracts for locals who will be involved in the official opening of BOT50. .