The Sunday Mail
Tendai Chara
MUSICIANS are being encouraged to adapt to the new normal occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic in order to safeguard their livelihoods.
Music shows and live events remain banned as part of restrictions to curb he spread of the respiratory disease.
Sarudzai Jaravaza, the leader of Duramazwi Mbira Ensemble, one of the most active mbira groups in the country, said musicians must reinvent themselves and adapt.
“As musicians, we cannot just sit down and cry over the loss of earnings following the ban on live shows. We have got to find ways of earning a living out of our God-given talents,” Jaravaza said.
“Unlike in the past when we used to perform in bars and festivals, this time we are concentrating on performing at family gatherings and other small and intimate occasions, mostly in South Africa. We have also trimmed our ensemble so as to cut costs.”
Duramazwi will travel to Namibia next month to perform at a private function.
Songbird Diana Samkange believes musicians have to “move with the times”.
“Basically, it is about reinventing oneself and adapting to the prevailing conditions. Gone are the days when musicians would perform before huge crowds,” she said.
The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a catastrophic blow to the music industry.
Only a handful of artistes get the opportunity to participate in virtual shows.
