Throwing caution to the wind

Here we go again! The artists are back on stage. Without any official announcement on the easing of coronavirus preventive protocols, musicians are back full-throttle with live performances.

Three months ago, we found ourselves in a similar situation. Then, what sparked the breach in the Covid-19 protocols was the political campaign that was taking place at the time in the country. Artists, especially musicians, felt it didn’t make sense to prevent them from holding live performances when politicians were holding mass rallies everyday across the country.

This time around, one can’t particularly explain what has sparked this wide rebellion. Is there a general feeling out there that the Covid-19 threat has subsided a bit? Or is it just general fatigue in sticking to the new norm and staying on the safe side?

We can debate all day trying to find out what has really brought the guard down without finding a common ground. But one thing which remains real is that the artists are back on stage. Of all the sectors, one area that has borne the heaviest brunt of this pandemic then it is the arts industry.

The artists have been grounded for a good six months. While other sectors had relief packages to fall back on, the same could not be said of the artists. They have endured the whole period with their source of income severed. It has been a real tough time.

It may be even safe to conclude that the financial squeeze that they have had to contend with throughout this period is the one which has forced them to throw caution to the wind and get back to business. 

If they stay home, they and their families will still die of hunger, if they venture out, they will have Covid-19 to fight with while they are feeding their families. Are we seeing 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Trying theory at play?

Last week, reggae giants Black Missionaries held three shows. The first one was Mangochi at Zitherepano in Mangochi, then Club 9 in Zomba and Ozone Centre in Blantyre. Music maestro Lulu also hosted music lovers to a music feast at Acres Square at the Gateway Mall in Lilongwe on Saturday.

And more live performances have been announced. Tomorrow Club 24-7 at Kameza Roundabout in Blantyre will host Skeffa Chimoto and his Real Sounds Band together with Joe Gwaladi.

But probably the biggest attraction of the weekend will be at Sundbird Livingstonia Beach in Salima where the expansive lakeshore venue will play host to a three-day Hangout Music Festival. As summer is slowly settling in, many fun lovers should surely fancy some good time on the beautiful sand of the beach.

A few weeks ago, Impakt Events, organisers of the Sand Music Festival, also confirmed that the 10th edition of the annual event is on. If anyone had a reason to doubt, then doubt no more. On Tuesday, the Impakt Events team unveiled the headliners of the event.

Tanzania’s music powerhouse Diamond Platnumz and South Africa’s Master KG will be the main foreign acts. And on the local front, artist of the moment Patience Namadingo will lead the local brigade.

It is indeed happening. The live performances are back in full swing. As Anjiru Fumulani said during their show on Sunday that it is now down to oneself. The decision to go or stay at home depends on the individual. As things stand, the train is out of the station. Let us enjoy the rollercoaster ride.