African musicians share strategies amid coronavirus

In South Africa, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange plunged 12% on 16 March after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster and imposed tough restrictions a day earlier. A possible collapse of the economy could be on the horizon and many artists may find themselves on the breadline.

Music In Africa spoke to a number of African musicians, and one artist manager, about how the coronavirus has affected their livelihood and what they plan to do to weather the storm.

Here's what they had to say:

Pilani Bubu (Afro-soul singer, South Africa)

“I had to shift my travel plans to later in the year. I am sad that I can’t travel earlier but I am also adapting to the climate and rethinking my deliverables for the year. I am looking at changing my focus to digital content and finding time to write and research other work that I had planned for later in the year. I guess I am making shifts but the cancellations will definitely affect my projected income and the progress I have been making on my latest project. I am hoping the cure for the virus will be found soon. The coronavirus lockdown feels like time is standing still and income will be delayed for artists. The virus as a whole will have a crippling effect on economies globally. We hope that banks, landlords and debtors will be lenient to their artist tenants, and clients as a whole. This is a time where humility and a sense of humanity needs to come in and help us all."

Kyekyeku (highlife bandleader, Ghana)

"I am in France currently and was due to be in Ghana in April, but since there is a lockdown and most EU borders are closed for the next two or three weeks, that changes my plans, which were basically to be in Ghana and produce an album. I am taking online courses in art and design as I want to have the tools to make the artwork for my new album. I am also listening to a lot to Ghanaian traditional poetry as it provides inspiration for lyrics. The big news is that my band is changing its outlook with a new stage name and so these are welcoming times to stay home and design, and plan and do administrative work like speaking with record labels about the new project."

Wezi (singer-songwriter, Zambia)

“Right now, it’s important to be proactive in the fight against coronavirus for Zambians. We as artists have the task to make sure the massage is sent out to our followers on how to prevent infection, because as of now, there are no confirmed cases here in Zambia. The only way to keep it this way is to work hand in hand with health authorities and share adequate information about the disease on how to avoid getting infected. I am impressed that the Ministry of Health translated its coronavirus brochures into different languages. That way families and friends can have conversations and be proactive in the fight against this global pandemic. As to how I am generating an income during this period, I am selling my music online and hard copies to keep some income coming in.”

Makadem (Afro-fusion musician, Kenya)

“I left Kenya for a nyatiti winter spring tour, starting with a collaborative Italian circuit dubbed Uhuru Republic alongside an Italian DJ and musicians. We performed in Geneva, Perugia, La Spezia and Turin. All this was in February and successful. Then I travelled to Denmark to wait for the rest of the concerts, which were to start in March but this is when all hell broke loose. I’m now stuck in Copenhagen with no concert organisers that brought me. I was supposed to perform in Trondheim (Norway), Leffinge (Belgium) and Stuttgart (Germany). All these events have been cancelled due to the coronavirus. All Denmark borders have been closed for a month. Artists here have come up with a live performance website to try and earn money from music enthusiasts watching and this is what I’m planning to do. I also have a recording for a song I’ve been paid to compose."

Kearoma Rantao (jazz singer, Botswana)

“It’s the new reality of life that just hit us. I lost two international opportunities, the ITB Berlin in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Fortunately, I have been in the studio working on my new music, so I will be releasing songs soon and focus on online uploads for streaming and sales. That’s all one can do for now, and isn’t this the right time to write new music ? Let's hope for the best in beating the coronavirus."

Keen Mushapaidze (manager, Jah Prayzah, Zimbabwe)

“We were supposed to be performing in Botswana on 28 March and the event was postponed until the end of October. I understand Botswana cancelled all gatherings. We can’t really say it is disadvantaging us because it’s for the general health and welfare of people as well as us. Jah Prayzah is a creative and there’s really no free time for him, even when he is at home. He is always planning on the next thing. We will use this period positively for our business.”

Lucius Banda (Malawi)

"It's a difficult time for us as African artists who solely survive on live shows, with the added problem of piracy on our music sales. As a seasoned artist, I obviously have other small activities that can bring us food on the table. But I cry for young artists."