Tanzanian artist Vanessa Mdee has shared a shocking experience about the darker side of the Bongo Fleva music industry.
In a recent podcast with Rotimi in the United States, Mdee revealed that she was once approached by a prominent manager who asked her to use magic and superstition to ensure her success.
“I once approached one of the most famous managers in Tanzania at that time, and I told him I would like to be under his leadership,” Mdee said.
“He told me without batting an eye that if you come under our leadership, you should understand that we use superstition, magic,” she added.
The manager told Mdee that every time one of their artists released music, they would perform religious rituals to guarantee success. Mdee was taken aback by the request and told the manager that she was God-fearing.
“I asked him, ‘Do you know that I believe in God?’ He replied that he knew that, but said that was one of the things they do,” Mdee said. “I rejected their wishes and left their meeting and did not return to follow up the conversation again.”
Mdee’s story highlights the dark underbelly of the Bongo Fleva industry, where some artists may be forced to use unconventional methods to achieve success. The revelation has sparked concerns about the well-being and ethics of artists in the industry.
“It’s a dark side of the industry that not many people talk about,” Mdee said. “As artists, we have to be aware of what’s going on around us and stand up for what we believe in.”
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