South African musician Tshego has brought attention to the issue of fair compensation for artists, revealing that the South African Music Awards once requested his presence and performance without offering any payment.
This revelation was made in a clip from a HotShotAaron stream on Kick, shared on X by @RealSihleIV on 19 August 2026. In this video, recorded in what looks like a relaxed home environment, Tshego recalls being approached by SAMA organisers approximately two years before his remarks, placing the occurrence around the time of SAMA 30, which took place on 2 November 2024 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng. Tyla was a standout at the event, winning four awards from a total of five nominations.
Tshego clarifies his decision to decline a performance at the SAMAs
Tshego elaborated that the organisers wanted him as both a guest and a performer, but neither role came with a financial backing. When he inquired about compensation, their reply took him by surprise.
“We don’t have a budget,” he recalled them saying. His reaction was swift. “I’m not going to put out money for an outfit to travel to do the rehearsals for three days straight to Rustenburg and back to Joburg on my dime because you need me there to do what you need me there to do, but you’re not willing to give me a budget for it. That’s kinda crazy though,” he said.
The artist made sure to distinguish his dissatisfaction from any negative feelings toward the SAMA community, stating,
“I love the SAMAs. I love what you guys stand for,” while also making it clear that artists should not be expected to incur costs for their participation.
His comments gained attention following the SAMA 32 ceremony, which took place on 15 August 2026 at the Sun City Superbowl, reigniting discussions about the value of artists within the industry.
Watch the clip that started the conversation below:
Public reaction to Tshego’s statement
Online responses were mostly empathetic towards Tshego’s experience, although some people offered alternate viewpoints:
@princeofpitorii commented:
“Respectfully thou, Tshego ain’t as active as he used to be so maybe that’s why they wanted him to make a free appearance, but I wouldn’t perform either, unless if I really needed the exposure.”
@Phelela88595352 questioned:
“They didn’t have the budget or what? How can you come for free when they have a big budget for it? Come on now, he has a valid argument.”
@mixedracedUncle remarked:
“Not in 2026 my guy…Tshego might have stopped making music because of record label disputes, but he’s a pretty impressive catalogue of music; he ain’t no upcoming artist.”
@siphiwemotaung4 suggested a different approach:
“He should have approached Hennessy to sponsor him. Perform that song of his. Free advertising for the brand on such a huge platform. That’s where his bag was gonna come from. Rookie move from him.”
@DjLebitsi summed up the general feeling:
“Knowing your value as an artist is to refuse to perform for free. An artist will not eat exposure.”
