South African musician Donald has weighed in on the ongoing conversations around performance timeslots, offering a candid and confident perspective on why artists should focus less on industry politics and more on delivering exceptional live performances. His comments come amid increasing debate within the local music scene, where performance order at festivals and concerts is often seen as a reflection of status and success.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the hitmaker dismissed the notion that an early timeslot is a disadvantage. Instead, he argued that the true measure of a successful performance lies in crowd presence and engagement, not the position on the lineup. According to Donald, if the audience is there and responsive, the timeslot becomes irrelevant.
Small industry reminder: being scheduled earlier in a lineup isn’t a snub.
Promoters often place their strongest crowd-pullers early to get people through the gates sooner, not later.
Artists also juggle multiple shows a day, so routing and timing matter more than ego.
— Sibu Mabena (@sibumabena) January 10, 2026
Drawing from his own career, Donald revealed that he has performed early slots many times and has always viewed them as opportunities rather than setbacks. He explained that early performances allow artists to set the mood for the entire event, warming up the crowd and creating momentum that carries through the rest of the show. For him, the goal has always been to deliver a performance so strong that it becomes memorable, regardless of the time of day.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting an early timeslot, as long as the crowd is there,” he wrote, adding that he makes it a point to peak the show early. With his trademark confidence and humor, Donald joked that artists who perform after him often have a tough act to follow, suggesting that energy and preparation matter far more than scheduling.
Beyond the issue of timeslots, Donald also cautioned fellow musicians against getting caught up in behind-the-scenes politics. He warned that focusing too much on billing order, internal disputes, or perceived favoritism can distract artists from what truly matters: the performance itself. According to him, the stage is where reputations are built or broken, and no amount of complaining can replace strong stagecraft and genuine audience connection.
Donald emphasized that audiences respond to authenticity, effort, and confidence. In his view, fans may not always remember who closed the show, but they will remember who made them feel something. He encouraged artists, especially emerging ones, to treat every opportunity as a chance to prove themselves and sharpen their live performance skills.
In the same conversation, Donald took time to give credit where it is due, praising rapper Blackie as one of the standout performers of his generation. He described Blackie as an artist with exceptional energy and commanding stage presence, noting that very few performers can match his consistency and ability to engage a crowd.
Donald’s praise highlighted the importance of performance as a discipline, not just a byproduct of popularity. He suggested that Blackie’s reputation as a powerful live act is rooted in preparation, passion, and respect for the craft, qualities that ultimately separate great performers from average ones.
The debate around performance timeslots has become increasingly common as South Africa’s live music scene continues to grow, with more festivals, larger lineups, and heightened competition. Some artists and fans see early slots as a sign of being overlooked, while others view them as part of the natural progression within the industry. Donald’s comments strongly support the latter view, reframing early performances as valuable opportunities rather than limitations.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with getting an early timeslot, as long as the crowd is there, ask around, Ive done early slots so many times in my career and I make sure I peak the show early, you’ll struggle if you’re coming after Donald 😂 that’s what it’s about, don’t…
— DONITO (@DonaldInDenial) January 10, 2026
His perspective also reflects a broader truth about longevity in the music industry. Careers are not sustained by entitlement or complaints, but by consistency, adaptability, and the ability to deliver under any circumstances. Donald’s message serves as both advice and motivation, reminding artists that excellence on stage will always speak louder than placement on a lineup.
Ultimately, by defending early performance slots and applauding Blackie’s talent, Donald reinforced a simple but powerful idea: in live music, the clock does not define greatness. What matters is showing up, giving your all, and leaving the stage knowing you did the job properly.
