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Nigerian singer, Bankole Wellington better known as Banky W has expressed his views about Nigerian entertainers who have had to lobby for funds for their medical treatment. He added that entertainers need to take the business of entertainment seriously.
Speaking in a chat with HipTV, the entertainer cum politician said such situations can be blamed on the present-day obsession of stakeholders in the industry to show more interest to entertainment at the expense of the business of showbiz.
“It breaks my heart when artistes fall ill and have to drive people to help foot their medical bills. I’ve chipped in for a few medical bills. So, I know. But it shouldn’t be that way,” he said.
“People who have contributed to entertainment, to the culture; to the history — whether musically or cinematically — should have their work continue to pay for them, even after their moment in the sun is over.
“The only way to fix that is if we start paying more attention to the business of showbiz; the structure; the organizations and what is going on in them. Let’s require an audit of ourselves and see if we’re doing the right thing.
Banky W noted that all stakeholders in the industry need to do better with the managerial side.
“We’ve seen the creative industry in Nigeria evolve. We’ve seen them grow. We’ve seen them achieve things in leaps and bounds and I’m proud to be part of this group of creatives,” he said.
“If we’re talking about creatives and entertainment, we call it showbiz for a reason, right? There’s the show and there’s the business. The show is about creativity and, in that aspect; we’re doing great by putting out amazing content.
“But on the business side, we’re found lacking. I think we need to do better. It’s time for us to take the business of show business seriously so that our royalties can pay for our children and our children’s children.”