The Swazi Oberserver - No photographs for Johnny Clegg

04 August, 2009 10:50:00 By Mphikeleli Msibi
http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=6275

WHEN Johnny Clegg came to perform in the country at the Bush Fire Festival, there were again mild protests from the local media about restrictions concerning taking photographs.
Before Johnny Clegg went on stage the MC announced that photojournalists and individuals were not allowed to take pictures.
It has transpired though that this was not a case of the promoters being hell-bent to frustrate the work of photojournalists.
It was said that this was an international trend for most live performances, which had everything to do with image control, a clampdown on piracy and to minimise disturbances during the performances.
House on Fire Director Jigg's Thorne, explained during Johnnny Clegg's last performance that such restrictions were found all over the world in such shows.
"It's for security as much as preventing piracy and also protecting the image of the artist. This also speaks to issues of freedom and to allow the artist to give out the best, express themselves without hindrance and kick up a storm on stage without fearing an unflattering picture on the front pages the next day". On the issue of piracy, Thorne said though it was hard to completely eradicate piracy of music and films, such restriction were also based on efforts to control it.

>>so stupid - i do my very best to promote johnny with lots of pictures, music, & videos - he needed that - and increases his income!<< (all others is typical manager bullshit from yesterday!)