Bulawayo-Based Artist Mc Bongelani Urges Fellow Artists to Diversify Income Streams

By Pronellah Lunga

Bulawayo-based actor and master of ceremonies, Mc Bongelani, born Bongelani Ncube, has called on local artists to diversify their income streams to secure their livelihoods.

Speaking to a Skyz Metro FM reporter, the 33-year-old performer emphasized the need for artists to engage in multiple income-generating projects instead of relying solely on their primary art forms.

Mc Bongelani highlighted that diversifying income helps prevent financial instability and idleness, allowing artists to maintain a steady flow of funds for daily expenses.

“I would like to urge every artist In the arts industry to not rely on one source of income especially if you know you have no smooth way of making money, but venture into other businesses that will make you money, truly speaking this thing of being broke and idle really affects mental well being of artists. For us as artists to survive let’s venture into other avenues that can give us money”, said Mc Bongelani

Beyond financial advice, Bongelani urged young people to stay away from drugs and substance abuse, encouraging them to focus on productive endeavors.

“It hurts a lot to see young people being devoured by drugs and substance abuse. Some go to the extent of doing piece jobs and using the money for drugs, imagine if they were to take that money and start up a small bussiness even a spaza shop as these days there’s money in the SMEs. So as youths let us swallow our pride and open bussiness even umsika”, said Bongelani

Bongelani is an actor with Bulawayo’s renowned Bambelela Arts Ensemble, a theatre group dedicated to community development through performance.

In addition to his acting, he has hosted major events such as the National AIDS Council roadshows, Bulawayo Day Celebrations, Intwasa Arts Festival, and Bulawayo Arts Festival.