Entertainers are in for some tough times as shows and events are being cancelled in an effort to stop the spread of the deadly Coronavirus in South Africa where 116 people have now tested positive for Covid-19.
SAMRO (Southern African Music Rights Organisation) has asked financial institutions to have a heart and be lenient to singers, actors and artists, after the government banned gatherings of 100 people or more.
SAMRO chairman Nicholas Maweni says the majority of their members have two income streams - royalties and live performances, and asked banks and landlords to give artists some leeway.
SAMRO also appealed to broadcasters to play more locally produced music, which will help to offset lost earnings from shows and events.
Events manager Natasha Petersen says they are already feeling the pinch.
“Over the past three weeks, the inevitable impact of the Coronavirus on the sports and entertainment industry has landed with a stunning blow.
“I know that the measures being implemented are correct, I have to be honest and say I hope we make it out the other side.”
Actor and singer Loukmaan Adams lost eight gigs for March and April.
“It’s drastic that most of the gigs are being cancelled or postponed, but I think all of us will have to make this sacrifice,” he says.
“First I have to protect my family and myself. It’s sad but it’s real. I see it as me getting to spend more time with my family at home.”
Drag diva and cabaret performer Kat Gilardi says the ban hurts.
BAN HURTS: Kat Gilardi. Picture: Supplied
“I was busy from last November every weekend until last weekend. Personally, there is no other income. My husband does work but this won’t cover everything,” she says.
Singer Craig Lucas says it’s a very scary time for artists: “This is usually the time we work hard to save up for when winter comes because there aren’t many gigs in winter.
SCARY: Craig Lucas. Picture: Supplied
“Artists are the first people asked to help out and do free gigs and support charities, and we do that happily.
“So we are hopeful that we will receive the same kind of support (when this is over).”
Comedian Marc Lottering, who just finished a long run at the Baxter Theatre with his show Auntie Merle, It’s A Girl, now spends his time sanitising his home and handing out helpful tips to fans on social media.
UNWIND: Comic Marc Lottering
“Ek was hanne en wasgoed heeldag. I really enjoy being with people and friends, so it’s really hard for me to do this social distancing thing, and then there’s the business of theatres being shut down.
“I feel especially bad for our Merle company, we had future plans for the show, but of course everything has now been put on hold indefinitely.
“I have been spending the first few hours of quarantine watching Netflix, Judge Judy and cleaning the kitchen.
“I hope to move on to reading books and hopefully writing some fabulous new material.”
Sidney Oliver, the manager of West End and Galaxy says like many other nightclubs, they have also closed their doors until further notice.
CLUBS CLOSED: Sidney Oliver. Picture: Supplied
Singer Robins Pieters says he is starting a crowdfunding initiative for artists.
“The crowdfunding should help us sustain ourselves for the time that the virus robs us of our gigs,” he says.
“It’s sad that this will now affect our livelihood but we must be patient and hopeful.”
Singer Salome Damons says: “My heart breaks for us as musicians, especially the band members who depend on these gigs.
HARTSEER: Salome Damons. Picture: Supplied
“I’m blessed to have my wife who can help contribute.”
Comedian Carl Weber says: “So in a matter of a day, I have had the rug pulled out from under me. Gig after gig cancelled along with my livelihood.
“My biggest concern is paying bills and hope banks have a plan in place for artists.
“As for the duration of this, I decided to grow an online presence for myself and (alter ego) Uncle Cliffy. It’s not a financial fix but I think people need to laugh now more than ever.”