Striking a chord: Senior Oat's candid call exposes the hidden financial woes of musicians

Creating music is often described as a labour of love - a calling that goes beyond fame or fortune. 

Yet behind the melodies and moments that touch our hearts, the reality for many artists is far more sobering. 

For countless musicians, navigating the financial landscape of the industry is an uphill battle marked by unpredictable income, soaring production costs and a constant pursuit of the next opportunity. 

Unlike mainstream stars who benefit from big-label backing, expansive marketing budgets and sponsorship deals, many artists, particularly independent ones, shoulder the burden of funding their own careers. 

From studio time to equipment upgrades, marketing campaigns to travel costs, the expenses quickly add up. It’s a tough balancing act that can make sustaining a livelihood incredibly challenging. 

It’s no wonder, then, that stories of artists grappling with financial hardship are so common. For every household name, there are thousands of equally gifted musicians fighting to make ends meet. 

Their struggles are never a reflection of their talent or passion, but rather of an industry that often undervalues creative work and relies heavily on live performances to generate income. 

This week, South African musical artist Senior Oat laid bare just how tough things can get. 

In a heartfelt Facebook post, the Limpopo-born producer opened up about his current financial difficulties, moving many of his followers and fellow musicians to empathy and concern.

“My heart has been heavy lately. I’m going through a tough time financially,” he wrote.

Oat explained how the scarcity of bookings and opportunities had left him struggling to keep up with his bills. 

“I’m behind on bills, and it’s really bad,” he admitted, offering a raw glimpse into the personal toll of financial instability. 

But rather than asking for donations or pity, Oat made it clear that what he truly wants is meaningful work. 

“I’m not asking for donations. I’m not looking for handouts,” he emphasised, underlining his desire to earn his way through his skills and hard work.

“What I need is work. Bookings.”

His post was not only a candid confession but also a call to action, directed at event organisers, venues, and promoters who might benefit from the unique energy he brings through his music. 

“If there’s any way I can add value to your show through my music, please reach out,” he urged.

The response was immediate. Fans and industry peers flooded the comments section with words of encouragement, many pledging to advocate for him to get the bookings he needs.

Fellow musician and entrepreneur Lady Du even shared his post on her platforms, appealing to the public:

“Anyone that can help, we’ve all been through hard times.”

Who is Senior Oat?

Oat is far more than just another name in SA’s bustling house music scene. Hailing from Limpopo, he is an award-winning producer and artist celebrated for his soulful, gospel-infused sound. 

In 2020, he treated fans to two remarkable albums, “Checkmate” and "Above All”, before following up with “Thief In The Night” in 2021. Unlike many artists chasing chart trends, Oat has stayed true to his roots by making the bulk of his albums gospel-inspired.

He attributes this creative direction to his church upbringing and a longing to create music with depth and purpose. 

“Most music these days is about money and popping bottles with no real message,” he once shared. “I want to let people know about God through music.”

His breakout single “All In You" featuring singer-songwriter Kemy Chienda touched countless listeners, with many writing to tell him how the song reminded them of promises they had made to God. It was a testament to his mission of making music that uplifts and resonates on a spiritual level. 

How can we support musicians like Oat?

While many artists keep their financial struggles private, the reality is that musicians across the country face similar challenges. As fans, there are several meaningful ways we can help:

• Buy their music (not just stream it): Platforms like iTunes, Bandcamp, and even direct artist websites typically pay artists far more per purchase than streaming does. Buying an album or a single can make a tangible difference.
• Promote them: Talk about their music on social media, create playlists that include their tracks and recommend them to friends. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful tools in the industry. 
• Request their songs on the radio: By calling or messaging local stations to play South African artists, we help keep their music in rotation, generating royalties and boosting their visibility.