Times Of Swaziland: SOME ARTISTS UNSURE ABOUT COMING BACK!

SOME ARTISTS UNSURE ABOUT COMING BACK!
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Phumelele Mkhonta and Dudu Dube on 25/03/2020 08:41:00


MBABANE- The wish for artists in diaspora to be with their families during the
coronavirus outbreak era may remain just that- a wish.
In relation to art, the term diaspora is used to describe artists who have
migrated from one part of the world or country to another. Most local artists
are based in South Africa and some in parts of Europe, the United States of
America and other parts of Africa. In an interview conducted by the
Entertainment Desk, the artists all expressed that they wished to be home. Some
said they were coming back, while others said they could not come back because
of other commitments.
Bahrain-based pianist Sibusiso Malindzisa stated that his case was a bit
different as he could not come back due to the upcoming 21-day lockdown in South
Africa. “We were supposed to come back home on April 4, but now, because of
the lockdown, our stay this side is prolonged,” said Malindzisa. He said the
only thing he did these days was stay indoors. He also said their employer was
providing food and accommodation for them during this time. Afrotainment’s
Thabo ‘Touch of Soul’ Mnisi said he was planning on coming back home.
“There is a lockdown for three weeks here in South Africa.  Before that, there
was a ban of public gatherings of more than 100 people. “This means being
indoors for the next 21days and I would rather spend those days in Eswatini with
my family. I am taking major precautions as the number of infected people has
escalated therefore no one is safe,” said Mnisi.  Londiwe Nxumalo, a member of
South African gospel music ensemble MTN Joyous Celebration said she was not
coming home during the lockdown. “I am not coming home as I also work for
Eskom. We have to continue working to keep the lights on. My prayers have not
ceased for South Africa and Eswatini. “With all gigs cancelled if we can
manage to go home let us do so and remain safe. It is time to just accept and
plan ahead,” she said.