Artistes feeling the Covid-19 pinch

PATIENCE MUSA 

The local entertainment industry is feeling the heat following lockdown measures put in place by the government to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

Several artists who spoke to Business Times said the Covid-19 induced restrictions have crippled the sector and livelihoods.

Unfortunately, analysts say the sector is one of the industries whereby if one hits rock bottom rising once more is very “near impossible”.

Popular award-winning music producer MacDonald Chidavaenzi also known as MacDee, who has quite a hit catalogue to his name said the situation was dire.

With a business that thrives only when artists are doing well enough to pay for studio recordings and the business itself being forced to freeze label signings due to the uncertainty in the world caused by the pandemic, he has had to come up with different ways to still do business.

“In order to avoid defying lock down regulations I activated my home studio for creation of concepts and beats and then sending to artists to rehearse and then record vocals from where they are,” Chidavaenzi said.

He added: “I have been teaching my artists to learn to capture their own vocals using basic DAWs that give out standard quality and I then remotely edit the final combination of my efforts and theirs.

Additional instruments like guitars are being played at home by talented artists like guitarists Trust Samende, Welly ‘Strings’ Mutepaire, Shamex, bass guitarist Naphtali and saxophonist Joseph Chinouriri. I work remotely with these guys and the results are nothing short of amazing. The biggest catch has been teaching artists to be able to capture their own vocals.”

Having gatherings, travel restrictions, restaurants and all sorts of venues shut down since the new year and not forgetting the change of consumer behaviour all over the world- the arts industry has and is suffering.

MacDee, however, feels there is a way around this dilemma.

“I propose the following to ensure activity in the arts without necessarily propelling the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“Allowing Studios to operate during same operating hours with limited numbers at a given session and a strict Covid-19 regulation requirement for those that are fully operational at the specific place of work for instance sound engineers, producers and admin be tested before allowing artists to make bookings with them.

We might not be able to monitor the incoming clients but at least the recipients should make efforts to be safe,” he said.

He added: “Additional precautionary measures like temperature checks, sanitization and social distancing would be ideal. I believe the best way to ensure social distancing is to limit numbers.

While it is noble to give specifics like 50 people as a limit it is important to consider that entertainment is a game of numbers and artists thrive on that.

For example, if a venue say the Harare International Conference Centre’s capacity is 5,000, it is not practical to ask for 50 people on an event but if we say limit to 30% capacity it is feasible for an artiste and at the same time it’s is practical to enforce social distancing and avoid unnecessary crowding.

“One may argue how do we guarantee discipline in a show where everyone is going haywire with fun?

 Simple.

I propose that it be mandatory in the meantime for security to be enforced by our police even if it be on a paid basis that way we empower our police in terms of resources while at the same time having them hold us accountable in terms of the Covid-19 safety regulations like temperature checks, sanitization, social distancing as well as mandatory testing for all artists and promoters involved.

“We need our industry back and we also pledge to stay safe and not endanger each other’s lives while on a quest for survival.”

Since January this year, most Zimbabweans have had to work remotely.  How possible is that with the arts industry?

International award-winning dancer Timika Karia Fisher has found the pandemic quite challenging with all theatres closed it means most Zimbabwean dancers have been struggling financially as most do not have other professions.

Even dancers have had to tweak the usual just like everyone else.

“We now space everything out and do loads of sanitizing. “Unfortunately it’s hard to do hectic routines wearing masks so we try just to stay a distance from other dancers and if anyone feels ill they stay at home” Fisher said.

She added: “I do think the entertainment industry should open up. Theatres can be spaced. Outdoor spaces can be used for shows so as to space.”

Several analysts say observing the pattern from last year’s lockdown, the arts industry was the last to get thumbs up. Does the government not see the value the arts add to the Zimbabwean economy?

 Is there any value that the arts add to the economy? Does the sector contribute to anything to the economy at all? Is there potential for the industry to do so? What is the responsible ministry doing to tap into this?

Contemporary alternative artist Tariro NeGitare has however been able to use the lockdown as a time to refocus.

“…the shutdown allowed me to refocus on what was really important in my line of work and I shifted to my development work which has always been a passion. It challenged me to explore new opportunities and increase presence on the online space. This then allowed me to get attention from new international audiences that then supported my new vision.”

When it comes to lifting regulations on performances and opening up venues she feels: “As much as we would like our industry to be open we cannot ignore the fact that our line of work involves bringing people together and thus being catalysts for the spread of the virus. I would therefore implore creatives to explore new avenues especially online.

“Every brand at the moment is moving to the online space and they need content.

Content is king at the moment and artists are best placed to create it and make revenue from it. We are also now not limited by middle-men as we have direct access to an international market which we should take full advantage of.”

This leads to other questions, how well do these online platforms pay if at all?

Are most of these platforms all about exposure and reminding one’s fans that the artist still exists?

Truth is exposure does not pay bills neither is it an acceptable medium of exchange for goods and services. How many artists have access to data, internet and the ‘know how’?

The arts and cultural sector by the way is composed of film, advertising, digital and visual arts also including occupations like performers, musicians, curators and graphic designers.

There are also other supporting professionals in the industry, who have been suffering for months- promoters, sound engineers, event planners, compere’s, waitresses, caterers, and venue managers. It’s a very long list.

Benard Fato, also known as DJ Iroq, once popular in the club circuit all over the country before the pandemic, said the industry was feeling the pinch.

He however has found a place on the net, after inking some in partnership deals with some companies.

 And partnerships with cooperatives are entertaining virtually.

As far as opening up venues and the entertainment industry DJ Iroq believes “people should be vaccinated first as entertainment centers can be super spreaders of Covid-19”.

He added: “Covid-19 requires people to be cautious and vigilant, under the influence of alcohol people tend to be reckless.”