It starts quietly: a few artists pulling their catalogues, a few more muttering about payouts and principles. But lately, the volume has risen. From Cape Town to Copenhagen, the whisper of “maybe I should leave Spotify” has turned into a full-blown chorus.
It was a simple question, but the answer sparked a storm. When DJ Speedsta asked Cape Town-born rapper K.Keed to freestyle live on his 5FM show, she refused with a calm but firm, “Let’s not do that.” Instead of letting the moment pass, Speedsta pressed her again — igniting a debate that has since spilled far beyond the studio walls.
Last week, we laid it out for venues: if you can’t offer artists the bare minimum — working sound, working toilets, and a shred of hospitality — you’re not ready to host live music.
But this relationship goes both ways.
Cape Town’s scene only works when artists show up just as ready, equipped, and professional as the venues that host them. You want to be treated like a pro? Then act like one.
