#OpenUpTheIndustry: It’s all about the $

28 April 2016 - 10:28 By Jessica Levitt

It’s the topic that has created a firm divide in Mzansi: why are the same faces being seen in the entertainment industry and where is the fresh talent? At the same time‚ South African celebrities have hit back‚ saying they have earned their stripes and‚ more importantly‚ they have to work numerous jobs to put food on the table. On Tuesday night Boity Thulo announced on social media that she‚ along with Thomas Gumede and Nigerian comedian Basketmouth‚ were going to be the new hosts of Ridiculousness. While a handful of loyal fans congratulated her on the news‚ most lashed out‚ questioning why MTV had chosen well-known celebrities instead of looking for fresh talent.The debate saw local celebrities take a stand against the criticism‚ sparking even further debate which saw over 16 000 Tweets using the hashtag #OpenUpTheIndustry.Speaking to Sizwe Dhlomo and Gugs Mhlungu on Talk Radio 702 on Wednesday night‚ Bonang Matheba explained that one gig simply doesn’t pay enough.“As an artist you cannot survive on just one job in this industry. If I was just doing Top Billing I wouldn’t be able to support myself.”Bonang‚ who was also drawn into the battle with people criticizing her for holding down numerous jobs on several platforms‚ fought back explaining that people only see the end result.“What they don’t know and see is the grinding. We live in an era of instant gratification. People don’t understand the importance of hard work. Everyone sees Bonang getting her big break now. They want to be famous right now but no one wants to put in the years.”MTV Base Channel Director Tim Horwood admitted during the discussion on the radio show that having a recognizable face helps ratings.“You have to ask yourself how the person adds value. How do they add to the pr effect? Some of this debate stemmed from Boity being chosen to host Ridiculousness. It’s a high-profile show that is chasing the ratings. So you put a big name on it. Now it’s created debate and caused a trending hashtag.”An angry Tumisho Masha called into the radio station‚ defending actors in the industry. “The tweets pissed me off. Some of us studied this. It’s a profession. In South Africa we have a real problem. When I first started out‚ back then I was getting R2.500 for a call. Some actors earn less than that on Isibaya today.”On Twitter Pearl Thusi also commented on the backlash‚ pointing out that she had to do several jobs to make ends meet.Once upon a time I had to hold down 3 jobs to earn around 30K a month at MOST. As a single mom, freelancing. That's a joke. THREE JOBS!!!
— PEARL THUSI (@PearlThusi) April 27, 2016async Broadcasters are taking advantage of how desperate artists and the rest are to get in. How cheap ppl will come to get on screen.
— PEARL THUSI (@PearlThusi) April 27, 2016async Corporates take advantage of this too bcz we're so "replaceable". Until we all make stronger demands, the industry will have to be small.  
— PEARL THUSI (@PearlThusi) April 27, 2016async Despite the debate and arguments from both sides‚ there were no clear solutions to the problem. And Twitter remained split.Until scripts are dropped at my door for me to choose and I'm not required to audition then I can't relax. #NightTalk#OpenTheIndustry— Rami Chuene 1st Lady (@ramichuene) April 27, 2016async lol it's about who you know and I don't know why they keep pretending like it's not #OpenTheIndustry— Karabo Ntshweng (@Karabo_N) April 27, 2016async The people who are already in the industry are not ready or willing to share...greed greed greed qha! #OpenTheIndustry— GanjaGoddess (@LobzinLee) April 27, 2016async Why is the assumption that people on the 'come up' aren't working hard, #OpenTheIndustry is about people working but not getting gigs @GugsM— Afika (@LeddieBlaq) April 27, 2016async ..

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