Covid-19 deals creatives fresh blow
Just when normalcy seemed to return, anxiety is slowly creeping in the creative industry as the resurgence in Covid-19 cases poses a new threat.
This comes at a time when the industry believed things were returning to normal after almost a year without outdoor performances as part of the Covid-19 preventive measures.
The latest development follows a Ministry of Health (MoH) directive to close all borders and airports in line with the new preventive guidelines.
MoH spokesperson Joshua Malango said the decision has been made due to rising cases in some of Malawi’s neighbouring countries. It is a decision that has alarmed players in the industry who fear it may be headed for another period of inactivity.
Black Missionaries Band manager Ras Ray Harawa said if the trend continues, it will spell disaster as the industry is yet to recover from the effects of their year-long Covid-19 enforced break.
He said: “Honestly speaking this does not look good. The problem is that we seem to contradict ourselves in our approach to handling the disease. At times we say it is something we should accept that will be among us and sometimes we take drastic measures on the same.”
The growing threat of the third wave has coincided with a period when some artists announced separate music tours and performances across the country.
Impakt Events Management team leader Nkhwachi Mhango said though they are not panicking, they are monitoring the situation on the ground. He also said they are set for a stakeholders meeting on June 25 to deliberate on the same.
“We need to draw lessons from our friends from other countries who have opened up most of their services based on the faith they have placed in the Covid-19 vaccine. We need to explore the same option as we stay steadfast in advocating for people to go and get the vaccine,” he said.
Mhango said they are hoping that the situation will not escalate further to plunge the industry into another crisis like was the case last time.
Impakt Events Management announced last week that it will hold its annual Sand Music Festival from October 1 to 3.
In a separate interview, event hosts HS Winehouse through their publicist Emmanuel Maliro said as it stands they have no option but to abide by the measures that the authorities will provide.
“We need to be responsible in looking after each other. We know it is not easy since we earn our living through the same medium. But we will comply with the measures that will be provided just like we have done before,” he said.
