The BackaBuddy campaign, formed in the name of Madala Kunene's surgery, raised over R100,000 in less than a week.
Although grateful that the BackaBuddy campaign, formed in the name of surgery, has already raised more than R100,000 in less than a week, veteran Madara Kunene is disappointed in the lack of support for artists. is lamenting.
“we [legends] Don't get hired anymore. They only book DJs, ama piano artists, and gqom guys. Our side is very quiet… we can't even take care of ourselves,” Kunene said. citizen.
The 72-year-old singer has been in the music industry for at least 50 years, creating African blues music that has touched the hearts of countless listeners at home and abroad.
Last year, Kunene was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in recognition of his contribution to the development of indigenous music and to African and world music.
“You may call me a doctor, but I have no medical help,” Kunene said.
“Chiefs and Pirates players are professionals, so I think they have medical help and other support. Artists don’t have medical help and we are professionals as well. It shows that we are legends. There is a need.”
After spending 18 days in two hospitals, Kunene returned home on the first Wednesday of April, the day after fellow Musou Guy Butterly launched the BackaBuddy campaign.
“We have come together as a community to appeal for your support to reduce Madara’s waiting list and allow him to undergo surgery at a private hospital. All proceeds from this campaign will be donated to Madara The money will help pay for expenses, healthy eating, and general living expenses,” the campaign's statement reads.
The campaign has a target of R185,000 and at the time of publication, R121,700 has been raised.
Many artists have pledged their support for this campaign in order to quickly reach its goal. Mr. Butterly could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
Open call to support Dr. Madara Kunene, a living legend of African music!
Our beloved Dr. Madara Kunene is currently suffering from serious health issues and requires medical attention. https://t.co/5toYtdM4VG pic.twitter.com/FrLbCEyCTi— Zoe Modiga (@Zoe_Modiga) April 3, 2024
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Madara Kunene – Beloved Legend
“My daughter lost her job due to the coronavirus and hasn't been able to find a job since then, and my son is also unemployed and looking for work,” Kunene said. citizen While at Hilary's home in Durban.
“I am happy and grateful for the support shown to me. People love me and I appreciate it,” said Muso, who has worked with the likes of Sujava, Msaki and Maphorisa. Ta.
“Misaki came to see me a few days ago. While I was in Colombia on my way to Canada, I got a call from Black Coffee saying that Ndudzo Mahatini would come to see me when he returned from Europe. He gave it to me,” said the artist, affectionately known as Bafo.
I would like to talk again about the exploitation of artists… Madara Kunene worked all over the world for 50 years, he did not drink money and was not flamboyant. He is a normal family man who worked a lot.
What does it mean that record label owners are living richly while we are raising money now? pic.twitter.com/SZGX3fKeLI— NtsikiMazwaiMedia (@ntsikimazwai) April 8, 2024
“People like Nattie [Black Coffee] He even said that perhaps this injection of public funds was not necessary and could have been done privately,” Kunene said.
Last October, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gigi Kodwa appointed Kunene as the sixth legend in the Van Toka AF Living Legends recognition series.
Previous recipients include Dr Pithika Ntuli, Dr James Matthews, Dr Peter Magubane, the late Dr Madothini Mphaleni and Dr John Kani.
“The sad thing is that when you're gone, your music will be played more often. Being an artist hurts.”
by Ubombo Singer Kodwa had planned to come see him immediately after returning from the hospital.
“He was planning to come here from Richards Bay to attend the funeral. But then he called me and said he couldn't come here but promised to help with his medical expenses,” Kunene said. Ta.
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Time of rest and relaxation
Mr Kunene first spent eight days at King Edward VIII Hospital and then a further 10 days at St Aidan's Mission Regional Hospital.
Kunene is scheduled to perform at the international music convention WOMEX in Manchester later this year, but Mousseau was adamant that it will take some time after surgery.
“I love traveling abroad. I can work properly when I travel abroad. But I don't have the strength to travel abroad. Even after surgery, it takes time to recover…I don't want to chase money, so I'm rushing to go abroad. I have no intention of going.”
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