Robin Pieters is not letting the Coronavirus pandemic keep him from performing for his fans.
With lockdown regulations and social distancing bringing the entertainment industry to a standstill, the Cape Town singing sensation has decided to host a free virtual concert - this Friday at 5pm.
Robin, 29, will be joined by live band Signature SA at Penny Lane Studios in Wynberg, and MC Morne Meyer, who will be broadcast live from the US.
The live streamed show, Lock Down Live, will be free, but there will be a snapscan code for those who would like to donate money to the artists, and to a feeding scheme.
Robin says the inspiration for the show came from the demand for entertainment during lockdown.
“People have been asking me to do snippets of performance videos for my personal profile which they can access for entertainment purpose,” he says.
“Myself and Morne created a following since before lockdown started and our online presence escalated to the point where people are calling for us.
“Despite the trying time we’re living in with the crippling effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, people still find a way to laugh and enjoy themselves, making the most of the situation.”
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Lockdown Live Narrative With the current COVID-19 pandemic holding our beloved Country in grips, like most people, SA Musicians are finding it hard to stay afloat during this crucial time. We also wish to console international musicians who are hit by this pandemic. During this time, many are unable to work and earn a sustainable income to continue their lives as per normal. Speaking of personal experience, this has been a nail-biting rollercoaster this far, not knowing if you'll reach the end of the month with gigs cancelled from all angles. The first two months of this year rocketed with an amazing sold out show of It's A Love Thing in February, but surprisingly the lockdown took a detour on our lives and the music scene suffered immediately with gigs cancelled on impulse. As much as musicians are furious about this loss of income, we should be grateful for the opportunity to be safe in our homes and prevent the virus from spreading. Music and music practitioners in particular have taken a big knock in this season as the pandemic took us by surprise, most not being prepared. Amidst this, artists are becoming very creative and are now discovering new ways to entertain and engage with supporters all around the world. The digital age has now become a mode of normality in terms of what we produce. Having said this, we will now begin to explore virtual concerts and live sessions to make our contribution to relieve the mental and psychological strain that this disease has placed on us. I've teamed up with the team of Penny lane Studios to bring you a live showcase to the comfort of your couch. Staying home safe, can also be turned into an intimate live concert in the comfort of your home. We're not going to charge a fee for watching the show but for those in the mood to donate a love-offering, there will be a snapscan bardcode attached to the online performance, just incase. It's going to be an evening to remember. With all who have been following my social media entertainment with my good friend Morne, you'll be glad to know that we'll be doing live crossings to the United States of America where @morne_meyer will be the Live MC.
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Robin Pieters(@iamrobinp) on Apr 26, 2020 at 12:01pm PDT
Like other musicians, Robin is also struggling without shows and income.
“This has been a nail biting roller coaster thus far, not knowing if you’ll reach the end of the month with gigs cancelled from all angles,” he says.
“As much as musicians are furious about this loss of income, we should be grateful for the opportunity to be safe in our homes and prevent the virus from spreading.”
Robin says he sees a future in live online shows.
“Artists are becoming very creative and are now discovering new ways to entertain and engage with supporters all around the world,” he says.
You can watch Lock Down Live on Robin’s Facebook and Instagram pages.