Food-for-model’s payment claims force Sauti Sol to cancel video shoot
Afro-pop band Sauti Sol have been forced to cancel a video shoot and apologise to their fans after word went round that they intended to pay the female models with food and bus fare for the shoot.
The Melanin hit makers had on Wednesday made an announcement on social media requesting female models between the age of 18-25 years old from Nairobi to submit submit their full body and portrait shots for the shoot.
PSA: This is a casting call to all female models between the age of 18-25 years old from Nairobi needed for a shoot on Monday next week. Kindly submit your full body and portrait shots (front and side) to productions@sauti-sol.com. Deadline is tomorrow midnight. pic.twitter.com/OroJTxXwpQ
— SAUTI SOL (@sautisol) January 31, 2018
However, on Friday the group canceled the shoot after an email from one of the agencies they were working with was leaked telling the applicants that there would be no any other form of payment.
“For this particular video we do not have a budget for models. However, we will provide money for transport and food on the day of the shoot,” read the email.
It added that, they believed that the opportunity could open more doors for the models after they appear on the video.
The leaked email sparked a backlash from the group’s fans that forced them to apologise.
“We have been made aware of an email going around asking models to appear in a Sauti Sol dance video production for no compensation. The production email address it was sent from is often used by 3rd party contractors and in this case they clearly got it all wrong,” Sauti Sol’s response read.
The award winning group further said they believed in fair compensation for all work in the entertainment industry and do not condone the “exposure” speak.
“We believe our track record speaks for itself. Needless to say, we have terminated our contract with the production company involved. Apologies,” the group said.