THESE WILL BE HARDEST EASTERS - GOSPEL ARTISTS

MBABANE – ‘It is the worst time for gospel musicians.’ These words were said by Mduduzi Nezinceku Zamagawugawu lead singer Mduduzi ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane in an interview with the Entertainment Desk yesterday.

 Simelane, who also serves as Siphofaneni Member of Parliament, shared his concerns as a gospel musician because the Easter holidays are approaching and this would have been the perfect time for them to make more income.
 He said he foresees depression as most of gospel musicians made a living out of their talent, which was ministering through music.

Expensive

“Being a celebrity is expensive. One has to keep up. Easter holidays for us meant more work but this year all is different. These situations will test our characters as Christians.  I see people depressed as they also have responsibilities and without shows there is nothing for them,” he said.

 He went on to plead with the government to come up with a solution that will cater to artists who make a living out of events.
 “As long as there is no cure for COVID-19, I am sure gatherings will be suspended. I would also plead with pastors for prayers and moral support for some artists ‘batawulahlekelwa timilo’,” he added.

Phathwakahle, who is also a well-known gospel legendary artist, shared the same sentiments as Simelane.
 She attested that these holidays were indeed a great time for them to minister the gospel through music.

Difficult

“These are difficult times for everyone not just artists but the entire world. We, artists, have been hit hard because we’ve had to cancel a number of our big life-changing shows for example, I have had to put my tour schedule on hold, the most recent show was scheduled for May 1 in Nelspruit, venue booked, posters, flyers, show promotion in full swing, others have cancelled their studio recordings and many more other projects because of the lockdown,” she said.
She went on to share her hopes about the pandemic, and said all shall come to pass.

Defeated

“In the midst of it all there’s hope. COVID-19 isn’t here to stay, just as it emerged it shall be defeated, it will pass and we will resume our artistic activities and as artists we have to come out stronger and more creative in our crafts,” she added.
It is worth noting that the Association of Christian Artists in Eswatini President Phetsile Masilela, also shared that artists need to venture into the digital world and use the current situation at their advantage as events were suspended.

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