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EVERY so often, in hushed tones, you will hear a comment that today’s entertainment is not real. This is usually talk from the adults— those who say in their youth, they enjoyed the best. One word that constantly comes out is passion. By then, it is said, artistes had an unending desire to perform and give their best. Now, the urge is not there.

That hunger to perform was lost yesteryear. It would seem that good artistes are no more. They are extinct. Only those who watched them perform can testify.

Today’s players do not have the appetite. What makes it worse is the wanton rise in artistes and administrators who know nothing about the industry.

How many “this and that” associations in showbiz have you heard of? The trend is the norm in the dance and music related genre. In modelling and theatre you find it as well.

Some of these arts association are formed by angry artistes with ulterior motives to fix one another. Once they are done, the association crumbles. The artistes are left in the cold.

The ripple effect is of an industry that cannot attract sponsors and suffers apathy from the public.

What we see now is a tale of sorts. This brewing trend could bring down all efforts to revive the sector.

The rise of the bogus artiste! They come in all shapes and sizes and good at what they do. Call them names but, they are penetrating.

We have so many dance groups and theatre companies. On the market there are fewer products for the fans. In the driving seat is the “clever” benefactor who pumps in the money.

Bogus as they are, these artistes and wannabe promoters control the stakes. You would not talk anything artistic to them. All they are interested in are volumes, both in cash and audience.

In whichever way they can control the industry, they do not mind. There is a structure-less industry where rules are non-existent.

While we encourage that the industry be filled with as many artistes, it is apt to foster diversity as well.

These associations lack relevance. They represent the obvious. In most cases, activities done by these groupings are the same with what has been done before.

Constitutions that govern these organisations are the same. When shows are put, one is bound to see the same done elsewhere.

There is no originality. People lack creativity yet they call themselves artistes. They soon become redundant, best to be described as artistes of irrelevance.

There are industry players that seek fame. Once granted the celebrity status, it’s done. You meet a dance group and it is a copycat of Iyasa. Then you wonder what the motive is.

In smaller towns, this is ordinary.

Probably the root is embedded in the regulatory structure of the present showbiz scene. Now that anyone can control the industry, it is easy to manipulate the system and destroy its reputation.

Promoters will continue to swindle artistes. The fault is on the stupid artiste that engages a fake promoter or manager.

For as long as disorder exists, no light will shine on the industry.

A few artistes are respected for what they do. Art is seen as a pastime activity not an occupation that pays bills. This is because of invasion of unprofessional hands.

Let us do things we are good at and leave those with talent to handle the industry. Go there for the money but knowing that you do well.

If the invasion by the “bogus crew” is not stopped, this generation would have failed.

It is not surprising that young artistes no longer have respect for the pioneers. What 25-year-old entertainers call art is not the same to a grand old guru.

The elder also does not want to appreciate young talent.

The issue of infrastructure:

When our mothers were young, they went to watch movies at community halls. They called it ibhayisikopo (bioscope) and as we grew up, we followed suit. It was awesome to watch movies on the big screen. It was in colour too! Entertainment was a preserve for the few then. It mattered most to save some cents for a concert or movie ticket.

It had to be rewarding to the pocket. Artistes made money and that was the time when entertainment was serious business.

Councils added a few dollars to the tax bag while artistes and promoters smiled all way to the bank. Entertainment products by then were held in high esteem, passing out not as a luxury but a necessity.

Facilities such as community and school halls were made use of effectively. The industry had a supportive structure.

Now authorities such as the Bulawayo City Council have called it quits in maintaining such social amenities.

Why are these centres left to collapse?

Until such a time when present industry stakeholders call for the revamp and effective use of community centres, we cannot talk of an industry.

Please help in reclaiming art’s space in communities. When we talk of Hollywood as a multi-billion dollar industry, it is not just bar talk.

Get rid of the bogus elements and engage one another. Then fans will nod in appreciation.

There is no room for irrelevant leaders and artistes.

Have a say: WhatsApp 0773 481 603, follow the conversation on twitter @ nkosi legend.