Times Of Swaziland: ARTISTS SHARE HOPE IN 2ND WAVE OF COVID-19

ARTISTS SHARE HOPE IN 2ND WAVE OF COVID-19
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BY DUDU DUBE on 13/01/2021 23:50:00


MBABANE – It is not the end of the world.
Social media was abuzz as local artists were sharing their concerns on the
second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that has new cases and related deaths
increasing at an alarming rate.
The feeling from most of the local influencers was that entertainers were not
going to survive the second wave.
Their submissions expressed fear that some of the artists might suffer from
depression which might lead to suicide.
Their conversation attracted the likes of the well-known South African DJ,
Prince Kaybee and Tebza to name a few.
Prince Kaybee also shared his fears. He said some artists would  not be able to
bounce back due to financial challenges. “Unfortunately, some artists are
going to lose momentum, they might never make it back financially after this
pandemic,” read his comment.
In an interview with Sluga Simelane, who is one of the local influencers, he
said the current pandemic would leave long lasting economic and social  scars in
the industry.
He noted that some of the local entertainers would not be able to pay off their
debts.
“Suicide will be rife when this pandemic is over. We will fail to pay out our
debts, so suicide will be an option for some. It is going to be really bad, but
I believe God will see us through,” he said.
reowned entertainer Nicky, another concurred with Sluga.
She mentioned that the second wave was scary because they thought the industry
was slowly gaining momentum.
pandemic
“When the current pandemic started last year, we lost hope, but we managed and
pulled through and made it to 202. I managed to start my pizza and food
business. Towards the end of the year, when regulations were eased, I managed to
bag in a few performances in South Africa. The second wave is scary and we do
not know when it will end,” she said.
While some of the artists were sharing their concerns Artist Manager of Kingdom
Tales Zox Dlamini urged them to take care of themselves and put their health
first.
He said they must look into diversifying their talents as well as venture into
other businesses such as agriculture, while they wait for the industry to get
back to normal.
“The pandemic has also helped us embrace the digital era more than ever
before, this being part of our strategies of 2021. Streaming is the future and
digital is the new normal.” he mentioned.
In an interview with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture Chief
Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini, he emphasised the importance of safety.
He went on to encourage local artist to venture in to the digital world.
“Before focusing on the negatives, we want to acknowledge that the current
COVID-19 pandemic has birthed a new window of opportunities in the digital
world. Local artists can use that aspect to their advantage to help keep the
entertainment sector alive,” he said.
He went on to invite artists to share their difficulties as they were willing to
assist.
“Artists can file in their difficulties so we can see how best we can assist.
We have an open door policy they can come and share their recommendations ,”
he added.
It is worth noting that the council will be sharing their goals and suggestions
in this publication.