Featured image by la.eater.com
Unpaid Gigs: Manila Rooftop DJs Break Their Silence
A concerning issue has emerged regarding a prominent Manila bar near a university. Multiple DJs, including several guest performers, report significant delays and non-payment for their services. This isn’t an isolated incident, but a pattern impacting numerous artists.
One affected DJ, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, shared their experience. After each performance, they face extended delays in receiving payment. While the bar claims a standard one-week processing time, payments are frequently delayed for three months or more.
This particular DJ is owed over Php 10,000—the equivalent of four unpaid gigs. Other DJs report even more substantial outstanding balances. Despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue, the bar consistently cites “pending finance approval,” often ignoring further inquiries entirely.
Unprofessional and Unfair Treatment
The DJs involved consider this pattern of delayed payment unprofessional and unfair. These artists rely on their income to support themselves, and the financial strain caused by unpaid fees is significant. The lack of professional communication from the bar management exacerbates their frustration.
Many well-known DJs have also experienced this problem but have remained silent due to concerns about potential career repercussions or damage to their professional reputations. This silence allows the issue to persist.
Speaking Up for Professional Respect
The DJ who contacted us is speaking out not only for themselves but for their colleagues facing similar challenges. This is about more than just money; it’s about fair treatment and respect for the DJ profession.
The situation at this Manila bar highlights broader concerns about the treatment of artists in the city’s nightlife scene. Establishments must recognize the dedication and hard work DJs contribute and ensure prompt compensation for their performances. While the names of the DJs and the bar remain undisclosed pending further investigation, this issue underscores the need for professionalism and fair practices within the industry. Artists deserve respect, and their contributions should be acknowledged through timely and fair payment.
Tips for DJs: Always clarify compensation details, including the amount and payment schedule, before confirming gigs. A simple contract can help ensure mutual understanding and agreement.
Read also: The Hardest Set as a DJ Is Negotiating Your Rate
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- 'Pending finance approval' sounds like a convenient excuse. i wonder why these djs still agree to play there if this is such a known issue. Seems like they are enabling the bar's behavior, don't you think? the silence is definitely not helping.
- #1 Lord_Nikon [12]
- #2 Void_Reaper [10]
- #3 Cereal_Killer [10]
- #4 Dark_Pulse [9]
- #5 Void_Strike [8]
- #6 Phantom_Phreak [7]
- #7 Data_Drifter [7]
- #8 Zero_Cool [7]
