The face of the Cape Flats club industry, Andy Heynes, says Covid has plunged him into the “darkest time of his life”.
Andy spent over three decades managing clubs, the latest being Bob’s District Six, which closed for good last year due to the lockdown which banned mass gatherings.
Like many who lost their jobs, the 50-year-old has been left unemployed, but says there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
“Myself and my best friend and business partner Kurt Swile contracted Covid together last year November. When he died in December, I was crushed, everything went downhill for me,” says an emotional Andy.
“A year ago we were partying into the morning hours, and now we are at home, the entertainment industry is completely locked, so depression has really kicked in.
“For a person that could have five meetings a day, work 16 hours a day, to no movement, no income... I am tired of reading RIP on social media.”
Andy says he’s sought professional help for his depression and urges everyone who is feeling down to do the same.
A few months ago he joined DJ Keith on the online station Pfore Radio.
“He was looking for someone that could market the radio station because it’s been around for three years and there wasn’t movement,” says Andy.
“It’s a free online radio station, he has invested lots of money on the new look of the radio station.
“We took Pfore online radio from 5000 views to just over 70 000 since January, we play jazz music and we are live from Wednesday to Sunday with amazing DJs.”
Pfore’s presenters line-up includes Tracey Carter, Alister Harrison, Barry Moses, DJ Keith, Mr. Zoggs, Mark Grainger, Uncle Cal, Rodger the Dodger, Deon Ferreira and Anthony Mocke.
The station is available on the SA Music app.