The entertainment industry has shut down completely and I was wondering how our artists are doing.
I managed to catch up with some of them in a WhatsApp group and learnt while many are keeping busy with work, others have joined the bak en brou lockdown craze.
Theatre veteran Terry Fortune, 71, says he’s been keeping sane by singing - to his dogs.
“I have been staying indoors. I’m not a scientist a professor or a doctor so I don’t analyse f*** all, I just sweep all day,” he says.
“Also I watch and applaud innovative and fresh ideas of local and national artists on social media.
“As for my sanity, well to maintain that, I’ve been speaking and singing to my dogs.”
Comedian Phil De Lange says he’s been making use of technology to stay busy.
“Fortunately, I still get to work on radio in the mornings. Otherwise I’ve been setting up some home recordings and working on my podcast.
“I have also been writing for online comedy shows that I was selected to be a part of.
“Oh, and I make bread now.”
Social media star Ikie Botha says he’s used to not having an office job.
“I’m fortunate to be working from home, so haven’t really felt the pressure of the lockdown.
“To be honest, I’m enjoying being at home even though I wish the circumstances were different. I’m using the free time to come up with some new comedy content and also trying out some ‘dishes’, ek kan nou gevaarlike scramble eggs maak,” he brags.
“I’m trying to keep the people entertained during this hard time and it helps me stay sane as well. I host a live “ lockdown jol” every Friday on my Facebook page just to get that weekend feeling.”
Singer Jamie Barthus says he’s been working on new music and obeying the lockdown law.
“You know, staying safe, watching the news and keeping up to date with the latest new happenings in South Africa,” he says.
Entertainer Alistair Izobel says he has actually been in lockdown a week before President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement.
He has been busy writing a new musical which he started seven months ago, and says the lockdown has given him the time and space to focus on the characters’ development.
He has also released a lockdown song, called Don’t shake my hand, awe that is available on his Facebook page.
But most of all, he is treasuring the time he gets to spend with his beautiful family.
Singer and actor Loukmaan Adams says the lockdown is a blessing in disguise as it is allowing him to spend some quality time with his wife and kids.
He says this is the first time in his entire career where he is not busy with some project and he is loving every moment.
But hy het darem ‘n bietjie werk gedoen, working with David Kramer and a host of others on the song, Tsek Corona which has gone viral.
Loukmaan says one of his biggest concerns is driving to Mitchells Plain when he takes his mother her medication.
“I hope and pray that every time that I drive to her that she is OK,” he says.
Singer Ashur Petersen says the lockdown is not cramping his style at all.
“My sanity is still intact, thank God. Lol. I’m really blessed to be able to do what I love from home. Having all my instruments and my workstation to produce music from the comfort of my own home makes it so much easier for me to handle the stresses of the lockdown.”
Influencer Auntie Meisie says the lockdown is giving her more time to write more stories and really focus on what is important in life.
“ Dit bemoedig ‘n mens om intens te fokus op jou geliefdes en te waardeur wat jy het.”
Influencer Plaasnaar, who recently hit the 100 000 follower mark on Facebook, says he’s been keeping busy making a web series, but when he was cyber bullied on Facebook he moved his live shows to his website, www.plaasnaarlive.co.za.
“Now I entertain the people from there.”
And finally, entertainer Tashrique de Villiers aka TDV or Ricky vannie Frontline, says with the industry at a standstill, he’s been catching up on family time.
“The isolation has also helped me with preparation for the holy month of Ramadaan (starting on 25 April).
“As you know I’m big on fitness and looking good so my workouts are now strictly body weight with light weights to stay in shape.
“So basically Pray, Sleep, Eat, Exercise, Parenting and Reading.”
With that said, I have also been enjoying my time with my family and creating more content for social media.
The lockdown is not too bad at the moment, in fact it is a chance to reevaluate our lives and perhaps start fresh when the lockdown is officially over.
Stay safe, stay indoors and wash your hands, kanallah.