South African singer-songwriter Rowlene has emotionally opened up about what she says has been an eight-month struggle to receive payment for a performance she delivered late last year.
In a deeply emotional Instagram video, the artist appeared in tears as she explained that she had reached a breaking point after months of trying, unsuccessfully, to resolve the matter privately.
“If you knew me, you would know that I don’t usually do this, but I’m out of options,” she said.
“I’m at a position where I’m starting to question if my business model is all messed up, or if people just generally don’t grasp how their indecency affects other people.”
Rowlene said the performance in question took place in October, but despite fulfilling her side of the agreement, she has allegedly not been paid for her work.
According to her, she even attempted to compromise in order to resolve the dispute amicably, including suggesting a reduced fee and a structured payment plan.
“I tried to work out a payment plan. I even said they don’t have to pay me the full amount because I know I didn’t sell all the tickets,” she said. “It just feels so disrespectful.”
The singer also revealed that the situation has forced her to involve legal representation, adding that the process has become emotionally draining and financially burdensome.
“My lawyer is handling it, but now it’s money that I don’t have that I’m going to have to use to get back money that I worked hard for,” she said. “Please tell me what I’m supposed to do.”
In her caption, Rowlene expanded on the emotional impact of the ordeal, reflecting on her decade-long journey in the music industry and the personal toll the dispute has taken on her confidence.
“As someone who wakes up at 5 am in the morning to make sure I’ve checked all the boxes, as someone who’s done this for 10 years, I still feel like I failed myself over something that’s beyond my control,” she wrote.
She also highlighted the broader challenges faced by artists, particularly those still trying to establish themselves in a demanding industry.
“If this is happening to me, I can only imagine smaller artists trying to navigate this industry,” she added. “My heart is just broken.”
Rowlene said she had spent months attempting to recover the money before deciding to speak out publicly.
“Unfortunately, even after begging for eight months, yeah, I don’t know,” she wrote.
Despite the emotional ordeal, the singer made it clear that she is still focused on her craft and continuing to create music.
“Still trying to make music, guys,” she said. “I just wanna sing and feed my cat, but life’s just making it so impossible.”
See video below: