Kwa-Zulu Natal artists who were hoping to be booked were left counting coins after the yearly prestigious horse racing event prominently known as Durban July.
This year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July took place on the 6th at the Greyville Racecourse and was themed ‘Ride The Wave’, which saw fashion parades in the event following the theme.
According to EThekwini Municipality, the city’s tourism and hospitality industry prepared for the scores of visitors descending in Durban; with hopes to generate capital for the province. However, artists like L’vovo and Danger said they felt excluded by the various event organisers.
Speaking to the news and entertainment publication, ZiMoja, Thokozani Ndlovu better known as L’vovo Derrango known for hits like Bayang’sukela, Resista and Ungubani said many Durban artists were not booked to perform at Durban July, the light was shone on Joburg artists.
“We are not jealous; we love Amapiano, but this year’s event was all about Amapiano and Joburg artists. How does such a big event not book its own people and help to build the province’s economy? This year was very disappointing and we are just feeling left out,” he said.
Big Nuz member now known as DJ Mzi ‘Danger’ Tshomela said he was also not booked at the event, he told the publication that they helped build the music industry in the province but now they are being sidelined.
However, legendary artist Thokozani ‘Tizozo’ Zulu known for hits he shared with Professor such as; Woze Durban and Vuma had different views on the matter.
In an interview he said, “Everyone gets their chance to shine, there was a time when Soweto artists were thriving; the Tizozo and Professor had their turn around 2004,” he said. Adding to that he urged artists to not complain as they had their time.
Also see: Somizi ditches Durban July for Black Coffee’s Ibiza gig
