The recent banning of entertainment, recreational
activities and public gatherings by President Emmerson Mnangagwa has put
leaders of local music groups in a quandary over how to cater for the welfare
of their bands.
Among a range of measures meant to halt the spread of
coronavirus, Mnangagwa banned entertainment and recreational activities in
addition to prohibiting gatherings in nightclubs, bars and beerhalls, a move
that has led to cancellations of gigs.
With local music groups relying mostly on gate takings from
concerts for survival, the ban on entertainment and recreational activities has
triggered anxiety in most bands.
Sungura musician
Peter Moyo told the Daily News that the ban has put him in a very difficult
position.
“The welfare of band members is on the shoulders of the
leader. In the short term, we will rely on the limited savings we have made.
The question now is: For how long can we sustain this? Obviously if the ban
drags on for a long time we will be in serious trouble,” said Moyo.
Young Igwe, as the singer is fondly known, said the
situation has been complicated by the fact that the ban came into force at a
time most bands were coming from their annual leave.
“This is the first quarter of the year and we only started
shows in February. We didn’t have much time to work and save and we will
definitely be affected just like any other industry.
“Our industry is difficult these days and this will without
doubt have a huge impact,” the Shuviro singer said.
Management at Alick
Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo said they will do their best to help band
members during the ban of concerts.
“This is a difficult period for everyone and as an
organisation it is our responsibility to ensure that members are well catered
for,”
Orchestra Mberikwazvo spokesperson Tich Makahamadze told
the Daily News.
Dendera musician Suluman Chimbetu told the Daily News that
the ban of entertainment activities will hit them hard as entertainers.
“This is a difficult period for us and we will have to make
do with the little that we had in our coffers to ensure that the welfare of the
band is taken care of.
“Right now we don’t know how long this is going to take but
to tell the truth this is hard for us,” Sulu said. Daily News
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