In this compelling episode of Sip, Paint & Vent with Zoy, we delve deep into the murky waters of music politics and the persistent question: Are South African artists truly represented in the broader political landscape? Guests Eugene Mthethwa, an outspoken musician and cultural activist, and Tebogo “DISTRUPTOR” Sithathu, a relentless artist rights campaigner, unpack the grim realities facing creatives in the industry. They raise the red flag on the lack of political will to protect artists' interests, pointing out how poverty, ignorance, and desperation are constantly used as tools of exploitation. Eugene’s powerful statement—“Never sign a contract while you’re hungry”—resonates as a brutal truth, reminding artists that desperation often leads to deals that bury them further. The episode boldly questions whether the presence of activists in the sector has truly shifted anything, or if artists are still being sacrificed at the altar of greed, silence, and bureaucracy.We also talk Intellectual Property, which remains a critical but often misunderstood aspect of an artist's career. The conversation highlights how creators are sidelined by laws that favour commissioners over originators—where the one who pays owns the work, regardless of who birthed the idea. Artists continue to be used as bait at political rallies, often performing for free or for scraps, while being denied a seat at the table where decisions about their futures are made. Eugene and Tebogo remind us that while artists bring the soul, crowds, and culture to any space, they are still fighting for dignity, ownership, and fair representation in a system that profits off their magic. It’s a raw, necessary discussion about empowerment, education, and the urgent need to change the status quo.