Times Of Swaziland: HOPE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF  GIGS RESTRICTIONS - ZULU D

HOPE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF  GIGS RESTRICTIONS - ZULU D
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BY DUDU DUBE on 20/09/2021 08:16:00


MBABANE - “We had hope that the Prime Minister(pm) will adjust gigs/nightclub
restrictions.”
This comes after Megasound (one of Eswatini’s leading entertainment stable)
launched this year’s installment of the Megasound Picnic set to take place at
Sibebe Resort in October. It is worth noting that this year’s event will be a
three day event. Megasound co-founder Samkelo ‘Zulu D’ Zulu said they were
hoping that the PM would ease nightclub/gigs restrictions as the country seems
to be responding well to the vaccination drive. The adjustment to level risk 2
of the COVID-19 regulations by government announced by the pm, Cleopas Sipho
Dlamini on Thursday has caused melancholy to the entertainment industry. This
comes after event organisers revealed that they had hoped that by now, the
industry would open up because of the decline of COVID-19 cases and the
vaccination movement currently taking place in the country. The COVID-19 vaccine
has thus far proven to be an effective measure to control the spread and the
ugly effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which has spared no one, including the
entertainment sector.
Businesses
Most businesses were placed on restrictions which led to a significant number of
them being closed down and together with decent jobs under threat. In Eswatini,
the hospitality, sports and entertainment industries have been placed on a
protracted restriction leading to heavy losses which cannot be sustained into
the future. This phenomenon has caused a lot of anguish for the players of the
industry and it is very alarming as most artists have been without an income for
close to two years.  “We note the ENCAC application that is a requirement. We
must have enough time to alert our fans of the expectations and also urge them
to vaccinate for Covid-19, so they come fully prepared to enjoy the picnic,”
Zulu said. “We are glad we were finally able to vaccinate as the Megasound
crew and so far there has not been anyone who had side effects, but our systems
responded well during inoculation,” he said.  He went on to urge other artists
and the general public at large to vaccinate in order for the arts industry to
open once more.
“Vaccinating is pretty simple and easy. The process was smooth and I would
like to urge everyone to vaccinate in order for our industry to open once more
as a lot has occurred in the past few months,” he said. Zulu D went on to add
that he had planned on opening the Mega Lounge in Sidwashini, Mbabane as of next
week and urged fun lovers to vaccinate in order for them to be able to gain
entry. Step Up Entertainment co-founder and reigning Swazi Boy Social Media
Awards DJ of the year, DJ Bloss, also echoed Zulu’s statement as he also was
vaccinated on the same day. “People should not pay attention to the conspiracy
theories circulating all over social media. The process was very easy and I
think the more people are vaccinated is the closer we will get to realising our
wishes in opening up the industry and earning an income, but most importantly
doing what we love,” he said.
Other artists that were vaccinated include DJ Matamza, Smish, Sgitha and Percy.
Since its inception, the picnic has been hosted at Malkerns Country Club. The
award-winning DJ revealed that they decided to host the show at Sibebe resort
because they wanted an open place with accommodation and still adhere to social
distancing.
Environment
Zulu stated that there would be a limited number of tickets.  The nature of a
picnic encourages friends, families, couples and everyone to enjoy time together
in an environment that is safe and friendly. “What a better way to do that
overlooking the infinity pool at Sibebe Resort with live music in the
background. This year’s edition is not just about entertainment, but it will
also be about encouraging local tourism in helping funlovers find more
interesting experiences across the country.  “We will do this with the
restrictions we are currently under. We promise that people will have a good
time putting their health first by following all Covid-19 precautions should
government consider reopening the industry before October,” said  Zulu d. The
Megasound Picnic is credited for hosting a number of local and international
acts. In a few years, it became one of the country’s most loved events. It is
worth noting that Scores of emaSwati who have since vaccinated have been calling
on government to ease the restrictions on gatherings.
This is particularly event organisers, artists and other members of the public
who have business and pleasure interests in the arts sector. Some have even come
to the extent of wanting to replicate what other countries have done in terms of
access to entertainment hot spots and other venues by only allowing people that
have been inoculated with the jab to events. Currently, thousands of emaSwati
have been vaccinated and this exercise is still ongoing. However, it is an
individual’s right to not want to vaccinate. In an interview with this
reporter, Eswatini Events Managers and Promoters Association (EEMPA) Chairperson
Mthunzi ‘Shadow’ Zwane said in as much as it was not mandatory for everyone
to vaccinate, he urged people to do so.
“I would like to urge people to vaccinate, especially those who are directly
or indirectly affiliated with the arts sector, be it barmen, waiters, comedians,
DJ’s, bouncers, security and musicians to vaccinate so that we can be able to
convince government to let us work once more,” he said.
Zwane went on to mention that it was proving to be a cumbersome exercise in most
artists’ livelihoods to make an income amid the current restrictions. Also
asked to shed light on the matter was event’s organiser and DJ Karly B, who
said he had since lost interest in discussing matters relating to the arts
sector’s plight towards government. Mamba said, “I have honestly lost
interest in discussing issues around the relaxation of restrictions in the
industry since past experience has shown that the decision makers care less no
matter what possibilities we present, our government just has total disregard of
arts and the well-being of those involved in it.