Covid-19 aka coronavirus has put a stop to most industries – and the Lord’s work has not been spared.
The Easter weekend is almost upon us and it’s the busiest time for gospel artists who, under normal circumstances, would have their diaries full of church and gospel festival activities.
Move! spoke to singers who shared how the outbreak has affected them and how they are coping.
OMEGA KHUNOU
He lost his best friend, gospel artist Neyi Zimu, last December.
He was looking forward to getting back on stage although it would be difficult as his brother in music was no more, but he was ready to honour invites. Now, he won’t be able to.
“The plan was to get into studio in March and April. We cannot even go to the studio right now. I don’t know if I will be able to continue with the plans we had. A lot of confirmed gigs in and out of South Africa had to be cancelled,” Omega tells us.
The O Molimo hitmaker says while bills are piling up, he is exhausting his savings to pay them.
Even though it is difficult, “we trust God. We will survive by the grace of God”, he shared.
Omega is currently spending this time with his wife.
“We are praying and asking God for wisdom. Faith needs to be strengthened right now. We keep ourselves soaked in prayer, it is not good to only seek God when we are in trouble. Even when trouble is not there, we need to always seek him.”KHOLEKA
Popular gospel artist Kholeka agreed that this year is difficult already.
“It is going to be a difficult year for us. Recovery is going to be difficult. But we trust God with our livelihood, our God will never forsake us. Our hope is in God now,” she tells Move!.
For her, it is no use crying over bookings she has lost out on, right now she is focusing on the good that has come out of being in lockdown by spending time with her children and family.
“As an artist, I’ve learnt that any income you get you must save as much as you can. You must not think you know what tomorrow holds.”
PASTOR LUNGI NDALA
The pastor God Reigns International Church in Centurion has had to suspend gatherings but he has not stopped doing the Lord’s work.
“We are taking advantage of technology. Our services are being streamed. We are using our Facebook page, YouTube channel too, and it turns out we are reaching far more people than we would ordinarily reach if we gathered,” he shares.
He has released a song, Hlala Edolweni, to encourage people to be on their knees and never stop praying. Spending time with family has been a great joy for him too.
“Sometimes we place so much value on things that are not that important. You realise it is family and loved ones that matter. I have been reflecting on socio-economic differences we have and thinking about those who are as privileged to stay home. I hope everyone can use this time to think about where they are going with their lives, reposition and realign themselves. After all this is said and done, we will come out much stronger.”
AYANDA NTANZI
Trailblazer Ayanda had a lot of shows lined-up but all that has had to come to a halt.
According to the artist, all isn’t lost. Grateful to be healthy and alive, Ayanda says his time is spent praying and investing in valuable things that not only will grow him as an artist but as a person.
“For me, it is time to sit back and reflect. Look at strengths and shortcomings. This lockdown has forced us to think of newness and get the brand growing and going. With the fourth industrial revolution [4IR] it is time to think about how we sustain our music without having to perform, so it is really interesting,” he shares.
Social media has become his platform when it comes to staying in touch with his fans.
“I go on social media to share a song or two or sometimes a verse. We will recover, although it will be a slow recovery there is hope and we remain positive. If we work together as a nation, we can achieve anything. Heed the call and follow the regulations in place,” he says.
