[ad_1]
By Entertainment Writer 
8h ago
Television host and poet Lebo Mashile has added her voice to the ongoing debate on intellectual property in the creative space.
The debate began on social media after media personality Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung was accused of allegedly stealing the concept of her hit television cooking show “Dinner At Somizi’s.”
Lebo shared his views on this on Twitter, where he detailed the importance of knowing how to protect an idea and how conversation is necessary for an industry where big brands tend to profit off other people’s ideas without pay.
“This conversation about IP (intellectual property) is necessary. This is a very common practice that has led to the widespread devaluation of black creativity as a job and as a current / future source of income. If you refer to an idea or concept that is not yours, refer to the creator of the idea, “he said.
This IP conversation is required. This is a very common practice that has led to the general devaluation of black creativity as a workforce and as a current / future source of income. If you refer to an idea or concept that is not yours, refer to the creator of the idea.
– usual nyisist (@lebomashile) September 16, 2020
Lebo’s Twitter thread came after Somizi made headlines this week after claims surfaced that he had used an idea that Hastings Moeng presented to him several years ago.
In an email allegedly sent to Somizi in 2014, Hastings outlined a concept for a series with the star, which shared many of the same elements as the current 1Magic show.
In a demand letter sent to MultiChoice by Hastings attorneys, it was further stated that in June 2015, a meeting was held between Hastings and Somizi at which it was “agreed that the idea was commercially viable and should continue.”
He also claimed that Hastings later approached the producer of “Dinner at Somizi”, Nkululeko “Legend” Manqele, to propose a meeting to discuss the show, but this did not happen.
The poet said that giving due credit to ideas was a form of respect.
He also added that he was not trying to force the idea that Somizi was 100% innocent.
Ideas are common currency. If someone inspires you, even in conversation or online, refer to them.
The white supremacist capitalist homeland privileges those who have the means to record ideas over those who originate them. If we want to undo this violence, we cannot participate in it.
– usual nyisist (@lebomashile) September 16, 2020
I leave room for doubt that Somizi may not have been aware of the theft of intellectual property. As performers, our names are used in hundreds of proposals, known and unknown, many of which never see the light of day. Multichoice / DSTV is wrong in this story. They did what SA television stations always do.
– usual nyisist (@lebomashile) September 16, 2020
Somizi has since refuted claims made by Hastings during an Instagram Live on Thursday and said he did not steal the concept for the show.
[ad_2]
