Ringo shouts it out

DISGRUNTLED: Musician Ringo Madlingozi felt disrespected at the Peace, Unity and Freedom Concert on Sunday. PHOTO: MOHAU MOFOKENG
DISGRUNTLED: Musician Ringo Madlingozi felt disrespected at the Peace, Unity and Freedom Concert on Sunday. PHOTO: MOHAU MOFOKENG

THE Peace, Unity and Freedom Concert was not peaceful for all.

Legendary musician Ringo Madlingozi started venting his frustration on stage on Sunday night at the Bloemfontein showgrounds by shouting that as an artist his talent must be respected.

At the end of a short performance, he said: "The people who brought me here should respect me, that's all I'm asking."

Madlingozi later said his performance was sabotaged by the concert organisers.

"The music equipment used by my band was second grade compared to Anthony Hamilton's equipment, the sound was low when I performed and it was loud when he performed. I am not happy with this treatment."

He went on to say he has been singing for 26 years and refuses to be treated like an opening act.

"I only performed because I love and respect my fans. It was also shocking how many 'hostesses' were taking care of one artist, while there were other artists on that night with no hostess at all, including me. I had to fend for myself and I didn't even drink water."

Madlingozi says music is about emotions and feelings, which connects him to his fans. Hence he needs a clear frame of mind when performing.

"I have heard artists complain about being mistreated at concerts with international artists, now that it happened to me, I know how bad it is. It must stop," he fumed.

He says what is disappointing is that most of these artists have fallen on hard times in their countries, but when they get to South Africa they are idolised.

Concert organiser Sabela Media Business Consulting director Sulungeka Dazana says she does not know about sound and promised to investigate and get back to us, but had not done so at the time of printing.

- motaud@sowetan.co.za

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