SOCIAL MEDIA USERS DIVIDED OVER MUSIC FESTIVALS

MBABANE - It’s not a secret that the internet loves scandal.

Rewind to the past 72hours, when one of Eswatini’s most loved festivals was launched, how the internet almost came to a stand still because of the different views. The bone of contention emanated from one twitter user who blasted artists and event organisers for choosing to honour an invitation for performing at  an upcoming festival and also the event organisers for hosting the festival when the situation  things are still not ‘normal’ in the country. Some of the comments cannot be included because of their defamatory nature. Another user went on to add that in as much as they understood that the artists were trying to put food on the table, why haven’t they shown support for the struggle?

However, this was met with differing views as some twitter users felt that the artists were unfairly judged in this case, since the arts sector had been one of the most affected industries with over 18 months of no income and still counting for other local artists; all this owing to the harsh economic repercussions brought by the coronavirus pandemic. It is worth noting that since gatherings in the country are only restricted to 500 people for outdoor events, with a curfew of 9pm, something which event organisers have cried foul over, citing that it was nearly impossible to make profits under these circumstances.

bullying

We all have different opinions, the problem starts when we feel our opinion is worth more than what anyone else is saying. But the real question here is who wins when there’s a boycott of the arts?  In as much as some social media users have labelled this as ‘cyberbullying’, some feel giving it labels is victimising the very people who should be on the forefront of he calls for change.

What is this cyberbullying? It is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cellphones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online on social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behaviour.

Co-founder of Antidote Music, Talent manager and Cultural Entrepreneur, Mmely Hlanze, when sought for comment regarding this issue said he felt infuriated that local artists were always the low hanging fruit. “Are people now going to boycott the institution that is hosting the festival? Are you going to boycott the same body that employs you? Why should artists always be an easy target as these are the same people who were without an income for over 18 months and now people are telling them to say no to an income? It does not make sense!” he said.

He went on to say that he did not like the tendency of selective outrage which was always directed at local artists who use their craft as a means to feed their families. “Are we really at that point where because we differ in our views that one must suffer and starve because of differing political views,” he asked. While some users acknowledged the fact that they understand why local creatives would jump at the chance of being part of the festival they felt it was still too soon to go out and be ‘jolly’. “Off course in such instances it is the so called ‘middle-class’ that will be doing the gate keeping. History has no blank pages, “he tweeted.
 One of the local artists that was revealed to be part of the line-up for the upcoming festival said they felt the banter was not necessary.

Draw

“Should we now starve because we will look like we don’t care about what is happening in our country?”, where do we draw the line in this because it’s starting to feel like we are bullied towards choosing a side,” the artist said. They went on to say; “First and foremost, I love and respect all my supporters. I will always perform anywhere on this planet as long as the one who called me gives me a green light. It must be clear to everyone that I am a musician and not a politician. A musician is free to be booked to perform anywhere,” they said.

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