SA platform is helping artists earn money with QR codes

BUSQR (pronounced ‘busker’) provides registered artists with a simple snap QR code that can be embedded into any live stream on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

This allows fans to contribute funds to their favourite artists in real time while they perform live on social media. The platform also notifies artists if someone has contributed and allows fans to send a personal note to an artist.

“The uptake from artists from around the country has been phenomenal,” BUSQR founder and radio personality Jon Savage said. “It’s functionality has started to be noticed by other industries looking to connect with audiences in a different way. Some of my personal heroes are already using it regularly including the likes of Zolani Mahola, Arno Carstens and Rob van Vuuren.

“On 18 April I watched Twakkie and Corne perform The Most Amazing Show live on Instagram with their BUSQR code in the background. Most importantly, it’s been picked up as a powerful fundraising tool by a lot of great people.

"This past Sunday for example, Dan Green was able to raise over R120 000 [$6 400] in one hour to support a township in Noordhoek. Seeing that in real time made me realise the true power of BUSQR.”

Savage’s partner at BUSQR, Jason Stewart, said: “We’d also like to encourage any influencer who wants to raise donations during this period, as well as charities with ambassadors, to sign up with BUSQR to raise funds using a unique QR code. It’s the perfect mechanism.”

BUSQR says it seeks to solve “a lot of the ‘pain-points’ for live performers like musicians, singers and comedians who have lost their income streams due to lockdown and social distancing protocols put in place by countries seeking to halt the coronavirus pandemic.”

Interested artists can sign up with BUSQR here.