Following the much-anticipated premiere of the 13-part series Pound 4 Pound on BET on 29 September, a troubling situation has emerged behind the scenes. Crew members involved in the production are voicing their frustrations, claiming they have not been paid for their work, which has been overdue since 25 September.
The show features familiar faces, including Zolisa Xaluva, Enhle Mbali, Gabisile Tshabalala and Mduduzi Mabaso. However, as viewers enjoy the on-screen drama, concerns are growing regarding the treatment of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
According to the Daily Sun, sources close to the production of Pound 4 Pound revealed that the crew is frustrated over unpaid wages from Bakwena Productions, owned by Rashaka Muofhe and actor Kagiso Modupe.
The publication further states that the crew members were promised payment following a five-week filming schedule, but were muted from complaining in their WhatsApp group then Kagiso sent a voice note blaming the delays on BET’s payment processes, expressing empathy for the crew’s stress.
One actor shared with Sunday World that their contract with Bakwena Productions was verbal, with the understanding that payment would follow the completion of filming.
TRAILER:
‘Pound 4 Pound’
A new drama series set around the world of female boxing.
Starring Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, Mduduzi Mabaso, Gabisile Tshabalala, Kealeboga Masango, Kwanele Mthethwa, Nicole Bessick, Sne Mbatha, Zolisa Xaluva, Brandon Auret.
Premieres Sunday 29… pic.twitter.com/iohWjVWxNX
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) September 11, 2024
Amid this turmoil, Kagiso expressed pride in the growth of his company, which has evolved from creating films such as Losing Lerato, Ingoma and Thando to producing its first-ever series Pound4Pound.
In an interview with City Press, He stated, “We have always been viewed as a film production house, but with this series, we are proving to the industry that we are capable of handling long-form productions. [..] It was a tough shoot but with the dedication of the crew and cast that worked tirelessly, we produced a quality show that we can be proud of.”
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