Alistair Izobell quits music again
|Published
REBIRTH: Alistair Izobell says it’s okay to fail after comeback show flopped. Picture: Supplied REBIRTH: Alistair Izobell says it’s okay to fail after comeback show flopped. Picture: Supplied
Alistair Izobell is bowing out of the music industry again after his Rebirth concert on Saturday flopped.
The legendary Cape Flats entertainer returned to the stage with his “Greatest Showcase” at the Grand Arena, Grand West.
This, after quitting showbiz for politics when he joined Patricia de Lille’s GOOD party ahead of the elections in May this year.
His comeback show boasted kwaai acts such as Lira, Dr Victor and The Rasta Rebels, Jarrad Ricketts, Jeodhouse, Morgan the Beatboxer, Sasha Lee Davids, the Orients Band, an aerial act and dancers.
Although it was a stellar line-up, only about half of the 5000-seater arena was filled.
Ticket prices ranged from R250 to R1000, but Izobell says this is not the reason for the poor attendance.
“The price of my tickets is not what affected my show, this show was to educate people who think promoters can strive on selling tickets for as low as R150,” he insists.
“Producers are suffering and losing out by selling tickets for cheap.
“Venues are overcharging and don’t consider the state of our economy right now.
“Whoever is telling you they are making money from their shows is lying.
“People are quick to pay over R1000 for a Brian McKnight show, but doesn’t want to pay this for local acts, when we are actually much better.
“I had 215 people in the R1000 ticket seats and the rest of my 2500 guests were in the R250-R350 ticket seats up in the stands. But it proves a point, people don’t want to pay for local talent.
“Promoters walk away in debt after hosting shows.
“I have to pay commission on each ticket sold at Computicket.
“The stage is R23 000 excluding VAT. What about flights, accommodation and other expenses (for artists)?
EMPTY SEATS: The Grand Arena’s 5000-seater was just over half-filled. Picture: Supplied
“These young promoters brag about shows sold out and driving flashy cars when they don’t even pay for those cars it’s sponsored.
“The tap has run dry, but nobody will be able to take away from me what I’ve built, all these artists of colour who perform in the Grand Arena now are there because we broke open doors for them; myself and Godfrey Vollenhoven are the reason they have this opportunity.”
Alistair, 43, says the fact that this is his first show that was not sold out is confirmation that it is time for him to look for greener pastures politics and writing plays.
“I’m going to find my heartbeat again and start writing shows and continue with my political stuff that I’m very excited about,” he says.
“I’m an active citizen in politics who only because of too little votes didn’t get a seat in Parliament.”
“I’m happy and content,” says the veteran performer.
“I am going to start a new journey with my motivational speaking and tell people that it’s OK to fail.”