Artists want live shows back

Following partial reopening of schools, some musicians in the country have called on government to allow for the resumption of live shows so long as Covid-19 preventative measures are put in place during the events.

Random interviews indicate that musicians feel they are the only ones whose sector is completely shut down due to Covid-19 while other aspects of life are carrying on as normal.

Musician Lulu said: “First of all we need something do sustain ourselves. So, as we try to control the spread of the virus, government must to something as soon as possible to keep us alive. Otherwise we actually need to resume shows so that we get money for fees to bring our children back to school.”

Gospel artist Thocco Katimba concurred with Lulu.

“I think artists must start holding shows. We have been greatly affected by these Covid-19 restrictions. But now it seems life is getting back to normal for other sectors and yet we musicians are not being considered,” he said.

Katimba called on authorities to think about musicians and make it possible for live music shows to resume.

“We have been squeezed so hard and things are not well financially,” he said.

In a separate interview, hip hop artist Phyzix, real name Noel Chikoleka said it is high time live shows resumed.

“We are of the view that events should resume with all the necessary health protocols being followed by both the hosts and patrons,” he said.

DJ Nathan Tunes, who doubles as a club DJ and musician, said the country is already doing good in handling the pandemic.

He said: “People have to be made aware that the pandemic still exists and is real. So, when hosting music shows make sure it is a limited number of tickets that you sell in order to have full control of the event. For musicians, live shows are their bread and butter and their lives have been hit badly. But life has to keep moving. So, let’s adapt the new ways of living, mask on, sanitise and practice social distance.” 

Last week, special adviser to President Lazarus Chakwera on youth and arts Lucius Banda indicated that he would engage the president on challenges that musicians are facing due to restrictions on gatherings as a preventive measure against Covid-19.

Government spokesperson Gospel Kazako referred us to Ministry of Health whose spokesperson Joshua Malango said the Ministry of Health is always available to guide any sector on Covid-19.

“Each sector has its own risks as such we cannot treat all equally on reopening. Even in education, there is a phased approach to the reopening process,” he said.