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Durban musicians raise awareness of their struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Up-and-coming musicians in Durban have come together to hold open-air busking performances in public spaces as part of the Independent Artists Busking Project.

The initiative provides a platform for musicians who have been struggling to earn a living during the COVID-19 pandemic. Artist Sandy B has turned to online platforms to host virtual gigs, saying it’s been an opportunity to draw in global audiences.

But he’s lamented on how COVID-19 relief funding is managed for struggling artists.

“As I’m talking to you now, I’m even feeling emotional. It’s not nice ’cause you stand in front of a big audience somewhere abroad and say all these nice things and the way we are treated as South African artists is not nice. We have built our own profile sometimes, most of us without even pressurizing the government. Even when these funds are being distributed you get shocked that people who are beneficiaries are new in the industry, one or 2 years old. Or some new companies and so on.”

The Denis Hurley Centre’s director, Raymond Perrier, says music plays a powerful role in bringing together people from all walks of life.

“I think it’s really important in South Africa today to bring together all citizens of this country so they can share a space and share an experience. We’re getting closer to Freedom Day and we remember that wonderful moment in 1994 all kinds of South Africans came together to vote and in the same way music brings people together. But we also have to remember that during this terrible time of COVID musicians and artists are some of the people who haven’t been able to make a living. so giving them a chance to make a living to be able to perform their art and make some money is also really important.”

In the video below, artists cry foul after struggling to access COVID-19 relief fund: Dr Sipho Sithole

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