TV47 TV presenter Dr Ofweneke a week ago set off a storm after revealing that a guest he had invited, had refused to turn up because he wasn’t facilitated.
The discussion of whether media houses should be paying artists for interviews continues to generate online buzz.
The debate began when Dr Ofweneke revealed he had invited Arbantone artiste Stoopid Boy for an interview, but he skipped it over no pay.
Ofweneke added that he was ready to provide transport but the arbantone singer canceled the interview last minute, saying he didn’t need them
Stoopid Boy said “There is no way you can be young, famous, and broke Lazima ujue vile naishi ndio uniite kwa hiyo ujinga yako”
On Sunday, May 12, Ofweneke commented again after numerous queries over the conversation he had inadvertently started.
“I have respect for anyone in the entertainment industry I celebrate all comedians, all content creators’ musicians, I respect them. Again this is not an apology I am not apologizing for anything, but this is what I will say. This is a conversation that we need to have. The conversation is not whether artists should be paid for interviews or not, the conversation is, are we raising stars, who are being taken advantage of who have big names and a lot of views on social media and not reflecting in their accounts.”
Further adding;
“I have hosted all the big artists both local and international and nobody has ever asked me for any money. Maybe it’s because they already have that money so the question is, are we having artists whose brands are growing yet they are not seeing the revenue?
Ofweneke says the conversation is a long time coming
“We need to create a serious mentorship program for the upcoming artists. we need to start financial literacy classes. I need the upcoming artists to try and find a place whereby you serve under mentorship, under someone who has been in the industry for a while”
Here is what different celebs have said about the matter
1. DJ Shiti
Speaking to youtuber 2mbili Saturday May 11, he said
“Watu walikuwa wanajamia Ofweneke bure, makosa big Ofweneke pia alifanya nataka kuwalima tu wote wawili. firstof all hufai kulipisha msanii wako kuenda interview because I take Ofweneke kama artiste ameandikwa. Ofweneke said Stoopid Boy refused last minute yet alikuwa alisha kubali. Na Ofweneke makosa ingine ni kusema stoopid boy alikuwa amelewa. I dont see how that applies there. Wote wawili wako na makosa. Stoopid Boy kma alikataa interview at first, sijui ilifika point gani anadai ganji. Infaa kukuwa na maelewano.” he argued
2. KRG The Don
Speaking to Mpasho Saturday May 11, he told that
“I don’t want to side with one person because I’m an artiste. I need the media, the media needs me. This is a marriage. You see it’s only somebody who is starting new they will start saying such things. For people like us, we are veterans I know what media means to me. If it was not for the media, KRG would not be here today, But some people in the media use media to fight artists and artists who have big names and use their names to fight the media. I don’t wanna get in crossfire with anyone coz I am a media house owner”
3. Kenyan Prince
On the NGC Ig page, all the celebs below reacted as follows
“SO MNAPIGANIA THAO KUMI AMA😢😢😂😂”
4. Ezra FBI
“Unakataa kwenda interview ukae juu ya mawe ukikula wow wow 😂😂 anyway the name says it all”
5. Willis Raburu
On 2nd May, he posted under the NGC story of the canceled interview
“If an artist wants to be paid for an interview, that’s their right as well.”
6. Moya David
“Umesahau jina yake ni nani? 😅” he laughed at the idea gani under the same story shared by Nairobi Gossip Club.
7. Oga Obinna
“He lived up to his name🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣”
8. Breeder LW
“HAPA NI, UTUCHEKESHE KICHELE💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰”
9. Okello Max
“Mbona imewasha that he canceled? Aliwawestia time na slot donge? Mungejipanga vizuri? Imagine it’s the same thing he was asking for 🤣 tofauti ni yeye sidhani amekasirika hivi 😂”
10. Wanjiku Stephens
“So many will call him Stupid because he knows his worth. He might be the change we need Money over fame. My two scents”
11. Goddy Hunch
“Pay him he needs it”
