BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE- Excited!
The above word does not even begin to describe how local artists feel about this year’s festive season that is already upon them, seeing that this is the first festive holiday where almost all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.
When COVID-19 hit the country in March 2020 the Entertainment industry was the most affected among others, this saw artists suffer a huge loss as there were no gigs. Worth noting was that some of the artist relied on their craft as a sole source of income.
The restrictions allowed a small number of people to attend events and this was not helpful to them because they made less than they spent putting together the event. This was to get even more stressful as more restrictions were put in place.
Fast forward to 2022 the Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini put a smile on everyone’s faces when he announced that masks were no longer mandatory and that clubs can host all night. This news was well received by local entertainers as it meant they can go back to their full time gigs.
Since then the Entertainment industry has been slowly picking up and saw the comeback of major events like Luju festival, MTN Bushfire and a debut of major events like Farmers Market.
Artists have shared that things have been picking up, and they were hoping to close off the year with a bang. Some made examples of the events that were being hosted in the country.
This is what some of the artist and event organisers had to say:
KARLY B
Things are looking up, yes there are challenges here and there but we cannot lie and say things are not picking up. We suffered a huge loss but we hope before the end of December we make at least half of what we lost. We will also be able to achieve this if our people come through to support us at the pop events we have lined up.
TEBZA
As an event organiser I’m happy with the number of people I have seen come to my events. They could have been more but things are definitely picking up. We are looking forward to an eventful December we have such amazing artist in the country and we look forward to see them shine.
SUPA CDQ
As a Hip Hop DJ I’m looking forward to more events this festive, I have already been getting some in the country and outside. Things were hard for us, and it seemed like they will never pick up but now here we are. This festive is one for the books we have to go all in as artists and make the most out of it.
SKIPS
I’m personally excited, and I want to use this interview as a manifestation for more gigs because there is honestly nothing holding us back. This December should bring us money and more opportunities. I also urge other artists to take up space and do all they can to make money.
POPZIN
As an artist that was hugely affected by COVID-19 this festive looks promising and I hope artists can use every chance they get to rock hard and make up for the lost time.
