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Artists are advised not to sign the “Deal of Hunger” by Big Zulu.
Siyabonga Johannes Nene, better known by his stage name Big Zulu, cautions musicians against signing bad contracts.
Numerous South African artists have complained about their record labels’ exploitation and manipulation over the years.
The musician, who also serves as the CEO of the iNkabi record label, claims that he mentors his emerging artists by explaining how the business operates to them so they don’t become distracted by alluring offers.
“Every Artist from Nkabi Records when they arrive they are still new without knowing anything. I them to all my shows so that they can get used to the life that artists or celebrities live; I am on this flight.. sleep in the hotels.. Alcohol is expensive, all this VIP treatment, so that one day they won’t sign famous deals and fame because they are in a hurry to drink Hennessy and dragging a bag at the airport but you find that at home it’s bad and they are hunted,” he wrote.
Siyabonga further explained most of music companies are not to be blamed for actions taken.
“We can’t always blame record companies because of the fall of the artist because they are given contracts but they don’t learn and they don’t want help because of the contract, when you help him he sees that you delaying him or you are jealous of him because he is in a hurry to sign, then when things go wrong he has found fame but he has nothing at home it is bad, and they say records company ate his money but no he is the one who signed the deal of hunger. Artists please be careful in everything we all do, we have mistakes, and I also have mistakes. It’s a somali po. Can we please learn from our brothers who come from there and not make the same mistakes,” he concluded his advice.