AWARD-winning musician Donald Moatshe, known as Donald, is making headlines in Mzansi's music industry.
He recently offered candid advice to young artists about what it really takes to build a lasting career.
In a post shared on X, the singer warned that hit songs are fleeting, but strong live performances are what keep artists relevant long after the hype fades.
Addressing up-and-coming musicians directly, Donald stressed that stage presence should be treated as a critical skill rather than an afterthought.
"Young South African artist. Please work on your live performances like your life depends on it… one day you won't have the hottest song in the street, and your live performance will carry you through," he said.
The post quickly struck a chord, gaining widespread traction and sparking a broader conversation about the current state of live performances in the local music scene.
Many fans and industry insiders echoed Donald's sentiments, agreeing that while Mzansi continues to produce hitmakers, the quality of live shows is increasingly becoming a concern.
Podcaster Penuel weighed in, applauding Donald for highlighting what he described as a long-term career strategy that many artists overlook.
He pointed to Afrikaner musicians as an example of performers who have mastered sustainability through consistent live engagements.
"Great advice. Studying Afrikaner artists will help a lot. They build sustainable careers, performing in churches, schools, town halls and small-town festivals," Penuel commented.
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Fans also joined the discussion from an audience perspective, with some expressing frustration about paying premium prices for shows that fail to deliver.
One social media user shared: "Some artists really struggle to perform live, and it's so painful to watch, especially after paying for those tickets."
Radio personality Sol Phenduka added to the debate, criticising what he sees as a growing trend of artists treating live gigs as mere appearances instead of full performances.
"Performers these days, it's as if they booked for an appearance. They don't perform their songs. They MC on their songs.
"Don't ask us why ‘singalali emakhaya'. Just sing your song. We came to see you sing your song," said Sol.
