This pandemic is becoming more and more frustrating to the live entertainment industry by the week.
I wonder if there is ever any consideration given to the arts and hospitality sector when President Cyril Ramaphosa sits down with his group of scientists and ministers and advisors to discuss the future of our country with regards to the pandemic.
It is beginning to feel like some of the decisions made are inconsiderate of an entire community of people who are financially struggling at the moment.
As I’m writing this article in my car, I see a bus full of people driving past, as well as a few taxis still loaded to capacity.
Surely it is more difficult to socially distance those commuters than it would be 50 people in a 500-seater venue?
This kind of reasoning baffles me because if you’re saying it’s 50 drunk people that you are trying to keep apart at live events then it makes sense, but then he also banned alcohol so whoever will be attending will be sober, and therefore more careful.
Showbiz is suffering at the moment because sales for online shows have also taken a major dip.
It’s not just the restrictions and the online sales that’s taking their toll, there is also the uncertainty we are living in everyday.
We simply cannot plan anything.
Three weeks ago I booked a venue which at that time could seat 250 people.
I proceeded to book artists for a line-up which at that time included over 20 artists.
In less than a week I was left with just 100 seats, but it still made sense and seemed manageable.
Then we were forced to drop to 50 and it began to seem impossible but I kept on pushing forward.
I had to change the venue because it didn’t make sense to pay so much for just 50 people, and then it was trying to find a space that only charges for food and not rental.
The most disturbing thing Ramaphosa did was when he announced that no mass gatherings would be allowed under Level 4 lockdown.
Yet, you look around and see full taxis, the malls are still full of people and you really start to question if the president and his cabinet cannot see just how much they are contradicting their own decisions.
It’s quite hypocritical.
It seems nobody is thinking of the entertainment industry.
We are in the middle of a pandemic and we are at a point where we cannot survive on our own anymore.
But we are all in this together so it’s important for us to support our local artists instead of wasting money on international brands.
This is once again the time for us all to back our local entertainers, because we really need your support.
We all know how the story goes: he shifts us to Level 4 and before we know it, we shut down for another 21 days.
People are saying the economy won’t and can’t survive another hard lockdown.
I agree, but the Coronavirus does not play by the rules.
If the cases continue to rise, as they are currently doing, then yes, I foresee that we will definitely have a prolonged Level 4 lockdown.
This is the worst wave we have experienced so far, so anything is possible, we have seen it happening internationally.
So kanala mense, let us get back to supporting the locals.
Give your support to some of Cape Town’s young stars who are all forming part of The Kings and Queens of TikTok Festival this weekend.
The show was set to take place at the Capetonian Hotel but will now be livestreamed from the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone, with no audience, on Saturday at 8pm.
The line-up includes Austin Rose, TDV, Alen the Car Guard, It’s Anny, Official King Burger, Majestic Meyer and King Khanget, Cassnura, Merrim Fifi, The Duchess, Cedric Laguma, Fransiena Willemse and Graham Jacobs.
The show is produced by LOL Productions.
Book your tickets via Quicket, or WhatsApp 063 817 8781 for assistance with your bookings.
dailyvoice@inll.co.za