BROKE AND BROKEN

Botswana’s entertainment industry is fast becoming a battlefield for survival, as musicians, actors, comedians, and influencers open up about the struggles they face behind the glitter of fame. While many appear to live glamorous lifestyles, the truth according to the stars themselves is a life of debt, exploitation, and mental health battles. Local comedian, Juju Sekolokwane, popularly known asJujuvine, told The Midweek Sun that most celebrities are under pressure to maintain a lifestyle they cannot afford. “We are all going through a lot as a country, including celebrities. Our economy is not doing well.Some artists are pressured to show luxury cars, clothes, and events, but behind the scenes, many are in debt or living beyond their means.Our royalty system does not pay enough, so when bookings dry up, the money dries up too. Artists are suffering,” he said. For musicians, the royalty system is a recurring complaint. Even those with hit songs barely make money from radio or TV airplay, leaving live shows as the only source of income.When the shows stop, so does the cash flow. Many artists are then forced to borrow or hustle in other ways to make ends meet. Theatre and film are not spared either. Underfunding has left actors and media personalities working for exposure instead of sustainable pay. Popular faces disappear into financial distress when productions come to an end. MC and TV presenter, Timothy Alpha, expressed disappointment over how entertainers are treated after pouring their hearts into their craft. “We are not appreciated or taken seriously after rendering services. That is not okay. We do what we are passionate about, but it is high time we are protected by the law because the existing creative bodies are not doing enough,” he said. For actress Kgomotso Ratsie, the waiting game has become unbearable. She said the industry’s instability is draining. “We are going through tough times. A year can pass without jobs, sometimes even longer. It’s frustrating to work without royalties or to be paid late.Many of us don’t live lavish lifestyles; we are just trying to survive. Projects take forever to pay, people are hungry, and the industry is frustrating. If you come in hungry for power and fame, you won’t survive. Only persistence and passion keep us here,” she said. For others, exploitation has taken darker forms. Hip hop artist Mmopi Nthokana, known as King Freezy, revealed that predators in the industry take advantage of desperate young talents. “There is too much pressure. You are expected to look and live a certain way. I almost became a victim when a certain man, who was bisexual, demanded sexual favours from male musicians in exchange for help.At first, I did not realise it, but later it became clear when he kept asking for half-naked pictures. Some artists are exploited in this way. Even fellow celebrities use aspiring ones for their own rise,” he said. Comedians and influencers are also crying foul, while social media gives them visibility, many lack the skills to monetise their platforms. Some brands take advantage, offering alcohol, food, orexposure instead of proper payment.“Bontsi jwa diinfluencer ga ba itse go chaja,” Jujuvine added, meaning most influencers do not know how to charge correctly for their work. The struggles extend beyond money. The lack of mental health support means stress, addiction, and relationship issues hit celebrities harder.Because they are public figures, many fear opening up. When problems pile up, they eventually spill out on social media, leaving fans shocked. Creative industry advocate Nkgopolang Tlhomelang, founder of the Glitz Awards, said the problem is deeper than individual struggles.“There are no proper support structures for celebrities in Botswana. The existing systems are not effective. It is high time leaders ask themselves if they are doing enough for creatives. Nothing is really encouraging the growth of the industry,” he said.He added that influential figures should be lobbying for international opportunities that can help local artists grow.

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BROKE AND BROKEN