Alex Masinga has risen like a phoenix to become one of the sub-region’s celebrated names. His rise to fame was fuelled by claims he made about him having wrestled and killed an alligator in a shallow stream where he had gone to fetch water. After the fanfare had died off, indications were that he would either be sentenced for pouching…or be sent back to his native Mozambique. He was a sorry sight claiming all sorts of excuses, ranging from fractured fingers to a grazed right foot. He lamented the loss of his new machete hoping to solicit sympathy from bystanders. It didn’t work. Worse still, a long-time friend, Khoza, turned against him, claiming that Alex had, in fact, trapped the alligator. Not so, Masinga protested! Despite his protests he was hauled before the magistrate but he survived the storm. Now he tells of how he had argued with the prosecutor to also haul the alligator before court so that it could explain who between the two (Masinga and the alligator) had started the fight. Amusing!

When he finally emerged out of prison his fame had transcended borders. People he had never met before had suddenly become interested in him. They all lined up with cell phone gadgets and cameras to capture his comical speech and unassuming demeanour…thanks to a regional radio station. The station had incessantly played tapes, which were recorded before his encounter with the magistrate and after his dramatic acquittal.

To say Masinga had become a legend would be an understatement. To assume that the disc jockey who playing Masinga’s recorded voice increased the radio station’s listenership would not be overstretching the truth.

Masinga was also keen to make his views known on air and he had willing takers who drove him to Nelspruit. Rumour has it that he received a transistor adio from the disc jockey so that he could listen to his own voice.

Another story has it that his new status has delivered a house for him. Supposing that this is true, it is doubtful whether Masinga is getting full value for what he is now worth. Most cell phones now have Masinga’s voice as message alert tones and ring tones. Owners of these gadgets have not paid a single cent to download his voice. Exploitation, isn’t it?

It is also believed that a new clothing range bearing Masinga’s name and a crocodile insignia is in the black market. If this were true, how much then will Masinga receive in royalties? There is no doubting that Masinga has become a brand that needs protection.

Recently, certain organizations have reportedly roped him in to promote their activities. He presents different versions of the ‘truth’ to different audiences but they couldn’t care less. Masinga is a legendary comedian who keeps them in stitches of laughter. One question remains; is he getting full value of what he is worth. Recently, David Kau visited Mpumalanga to rehash his tired jokes. People paid over R100 to listen to the standing comedian. Masinga is a breath of fresh air and he needs someone to manage im and maximize his commercial value.

(Views on this subject can be directed to Abatwala@yahoo. com. you may also use the contact numbers, which appear elsewhere in this newspaper to air you views)