Production companies and record labels make money, not actors and artists: Sandy B

14 August 2024 - 12:53
By Kgomotso Moganedi
Musician Sandy B is disgusted by how production companies are paying actors.
Image: Supplied Musician Sandy B is disgusted by how production companies are paying actors.

Musician Sandy B has criticised production companies for underpaying actors.

The Durban-based artist, whose real name is Sandile Bhengu, expressed disgust after TshisaLIVE reported about actor Carlo Radebe falling on hard times.

He posted in the comments section of TimesLIVE's Facebook page that he got a role on Uzalo as a rich businessman. 

“I appeared twice, I got paid R1,600 that came after three months, after the scenes had appeared on TV long time. UDoti wento lento yase Mzansi [Rubbish is what's happening in South Africa]. My son was an extra on Durban Gen and got R200 after a month and the agency took 25% from that. After appearing on TV then it's pressure from the public, people thinking you are rich and you can't ask for any help,” he said.

People [must] not believe what they see on TV. Artists and actors die poor because of record labels and production houses
Sandy B

TshisaLIVE contacted Sandy B and he didn't back down on his claims of ills in the industry,

“The problem is production companies are the beneficiaries of our hard work as we do the work and they take the money for themselves. By then the public has got a different picture from your role, which in my case they thought I'm wealthy seeing my character on Uzalo.

“Carlo didn't misuse his money but rather the production company unduly benefited from his craft, leaving him with peanuts in his bank account. Now none of them are willing to help him. It's sad.

“I feel it's wrong to portray roles that automatically give the viewers ideas that you are wealthy. Imagine getting paid your fuel money after three months, it's bad. People [must] not believe what they see on TV. Artists and actors die poor because of record labels and production houses,” he said.

Radebe is known for his role as Duke Ngcobo on the e.tv series Backstage in the early 2000s. He has also worked on other productions, including iNumber Number and How To Steal 2-Million.

In April it emerged he was allegedly destitute and struggling to make ends meetOn Monday Radebe took to his Facebook page to plead with good Samaritans to assist him as he is struggling to survive.