In a heartfelt Facebook post, the award-winning Free State hip-hop duo Stino Le Thwenny called for support and respect for artists from the Free State. They expressed that many local artists are struggling, with only one or two able to make a living from music, while others merely survive.
The duo emphasized that the music industry seems to prioritize artists from other provinces, often taking funding out of the Free State and seldom booking local talent.
“It’s even harder to stay relevant and reinvest in our craft. Yes, making good music is important, but we also need to invest in quality, and, in most cases, we don’t see a return on that investment,” they stated.
Stino Le Thwenny expressed a desire for influential figures in the Free State, similar to Maphorisa or Tira, who could advocate for local artists and create opportunities for them. They lamented the reality of winning awards and being nominated for Song of the Year while still needing to seek financial assistance on social media.
The duo revealed that they have invested over a million rand into their brand since launching Stino Le Thwenny independently, yet they have yet to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
“We are still trying to reap the rewards of our investment, but year after year, we work hard to produce quality music videos and songs, as well as engage in costly marketing. Being on television is expensive. We truly hope that God hears our prayers as Free State artists,” they posted.
They also pointed out that promoters in the Free State tend to pay artists from other provinces better. Stino Le Thwenny noted that despite being loved by many, they still cannot afford luxuries like houses and cars. They raised questions about how they are expected to inspire future generations of Free State artists when local artists struggle to unite. Importantly, they clarified that their message was not one of entitlement but a reflection of the reality faced by Free State artists.
They dream of a future where the province produces real superstars who thrive in various entertainment sectors. Stino Le Thwenny compared their situation to that of artists in the Limpopo music scene, particularly in the Lekompo genre, where local talent is supported and able to earn decent incomes, buy homes, and support their families.
They called for support for Free State music, urging the province to stream local talent and help gain worldwide recognition.
“We need our own identity in the music and entertainment industry. We want to plug other artists and collaborate with other artists from the province, but it’s costly to do so, and we don’t want to give anyone false hope.”
The duo is working to establish their roots in the music industry, even though they may make it appear easy, its hard. They noted that brands collaborating with national artists rarely reinvest in helping Free State creatives. While brands have approached them for partnerships, none are willing to financially support the arts, according to the Mshimane hitmakers.
They made it clear that they will not accept energy drinks as payment and are calling for meaningful contributions from brand managers to help rebuild the Free State music industry.
Stino Le Thwenny has collaborated with top figures in the industry, including Cassper Nyovest, Major League DJz, Khuli Chana, Magleradoeboy, KO, Nadia Nakai, Kwesta, Makwa, PH, Speedsta, Roiii, and Ntate Stunna. Their music videos feature prominently on TV music channels, and they take pride in representing the Free State.
“We believe that if we, as artists and members of the Free State, unite, our industry can thrive again. We appreciate those who play a positive role in trying to grow our industry and support our artists. Every industry faces challenges, but now is the time to rally behind our creatives,” the duo concluded.
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