Eastern Cape dancer and musician Zintle Kwaaiman has shared her harrowing experience of being undervalued and unpaid at the Durban July All Black event in KZN. According to Sunday World, despite being booked to perform alongside renowned artists such as DJ Tira, Black Motion, and Daliwonga, Kwaaiman claims she received no attention from the event organizers upon her arrival.
“Worst treatment ever. I’ve never felt so small in my life. And the bottom line is that I didn’t perform. I need a hug,” Kwaaiman wrote on social media. She revealed that the person who booked her did not prepare a table for her, nor did she receive her rider, the drinks she had requested.
In a heartfelt video posted on Facebook, the Uthando noXolo hitmaker detailed the night’s events. Arriving at the venue around 11 pm, she found herself standing between tables in high heels. To pass the time, she smoked weed and drank water, avoiding alcohol.
Kwaaiman honoured the gig hoping to build relations, but when it was her turn to perform, the DJ told her to hand over her USB, promising to play her music. As she waited by the stage, the DJ continued playing his own set. Kwaaiman attempted to address the audience, but the microphone was off. The DJ claimed he did not control the mic, leaving her no choice but to leave the venue around 5 am, disheartened and unpaid.
“This was a lesson learned for me because I did not even push for payments before I attended the event. Which is something I do not usually do. I attend bookings with all my money upfront. I did not get paid,” she lamented.
When contacted by Sunday World, the event organizers were unaware Kwaaiman had not performed. They attributed the mishap to stage management issues and confirmed she was scheduled for payment within two days.
