WITH most entertainment events being either postponed or cancelled, musicians and event organisers are feeling the heat of the coronavirus outbreak.
Like many other affected countries, large gatherings have been banned in Namibia, in an effort to curb the spread of the pandemic. To show their support, many Namibian musicians have been encouraging their fans to stay safe and take the recommended precautions.
Popular musician Mushe is also an avid entrepreneur who has started selling masks to ensure that artists, supporters and the community at large are safe.
“It is a worrisome time. I am sharing all the information I have regarding prevention to everyone. I am very happy that our government took measures in cancelling all large gatherings. We must not hesitate to postpone all music events. Yes, it will greatly effect on our income, but for now our lives are more important,” Mushe said.
Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMA) artist of the year, Lize Ehlers, said she is not taking any chances when it comes to safety, and is sanitising all equipment and bags and getting microphone pop filters for each singer.
Ehlers said RMB Song Night has been postponed until May in order to comply with the directive from president Hage Geingob to stop all large gatherings.
“We must start having conversations about how we will actually deal with all of the ramifications caused by Covid-19. The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has to realise that artists will not have an income and provide some sort of financial assistance. Perhaps the ministry could offer a fee to artists who can make private recordings for social media platforms. This will allow artists to still entertain and soothe audiences while not having to be in physical contact,” Ehlers suggested.
Gospel singer Maranatha said the loss of income for musicians is challenging.
“This is especially difficult for those who rely on performances as their sole form of income. It’s hard now, but we all will pull through by God’s grace. I am not fearful. During this period I would urge the public to play the radio and watch TV as it will be the safest and best option to boost our music,” Maranatha said.
Soul singer Rose Blvc said many artists are now forced to start using their savings to survive. She feels much more needs to be done to make provision for all freelancers in all sectors to access benefits.
“The crisis can cause physical, mental and emotional harm to artists. If there are no events, there is no industry. Our arts and cultural life contributes to community cohesion, reduces social exclusion and isolation,” she said.
Newcomer, Aye-F4r recently posted on his social media platforms that he will not be performing or recording until the pandemic is no longer.
“The biggest fear is that we don’t know who else has got the virus, anyone can have it. The virus can also be spread in the studio. I would urge the government to come up with a grant to help registered musicians who make a living from music so that they can put bread on the table.”
DJ Alba fears that if Namibia is unable to contain the coronavirus in the next two months it will be catastrophic for our economy at large.
“This was supposed to be peak season for events before winter so it’s honestly very unfortunate. We can only hope and pray the number of positive cases does not increase.”
Ann Singer has cancelled her show ‘The Ann Singer Experience’ which was scheduled to take place on 3 April in Windhoek.
“Artists should do more to meet the government halfway, to create awareness and help keep the nation calm. As public figures we have a voice and what better time than now to actually help our communities. I hope that this will be resolved as quickly as possible so we can go back to work,” she said.
@rineldamouton on social media
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