South African singer-songwriter Rowlene has broken her silence in a tearful, emotionally charged video, opening up about an eight-month battle to receive payment for a performance she completed last October.
Rowlene’s payment dispute after October gig
Best known for tracks such as Phases and SMA (Send Me Away) with Nasty C, Rowlene said she’s been left frustrated by the expectation that artists should simply “carry on” in South Africa’s difficult economic climate—especially when people refuse to pay for work.
She explained that after months of unsuccessful private discussions, including attempts to reach a compromise, she has reached a point where she feels she has “no options” left. Rowlene added that she has now brought in legal representation to deal with the situation.
“Out of options” and questioning the business model
In the video, Rowlene said she normally doesn’t air personal disputes publicly, but felt forced to speak up. She described the situation as one that has pushed her into questioning whether something is wrong with the way she approaches her work—or whether others simply don’t understand the impact their actions have on the people who rely on that income.
- Rowlene said she is “out of options” after months of failed private negotiations.
- She shared that she started questioning whether her business model is “messed up” or whether people don’t grasp how their refusal to pay affects others.
While she said she would not identify the individual responsible for her distress, she described the mounting stress of waiting for money that appeared increasingly unlikely to arrive. She said the delay even led her to lower her own value, trying to make the outcome easier for the person who owed her.
Compromises, a payment plan, and still no payout
Rowlene said she attempted to put a payment plan in place and even told the person to pay her less than she had originally charged. Despite those efforts, she stated that she is still waiting for the payment.
- She attempted to negotiate a payment plan.
- She said she even suggested receiving less than her original fee.
- Despite these compromises, she confirmed that payment has still not been made.
“I just feel so disrespected,” the singer said, describing how hurt and dismayed she has been by the treatment she received and the ongoing delay.
Turning to legal help and asking what artists should do
Rowlene added that the dispute has driven her to seek legal counsel, explaining that the process has taken an emotional toll and also created financial pressure. In her caption, she expressed sadness about the unfairness of the entire situation and said she can’t imagine how much harder it is for emerging artists facing similar circumstances.
She told viewers that her lawyer is handling the matter, but noted that the money she doesn’t currently have will be needed to recover what she earned. She then asked a direct question—pleading for guidance on what she is supposed to do next.
Her message reflected the core of her frustration: work delivered in good faith should not leave an artist fighting for basic payment for months on end.
