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As South Africa continues to battle the coronavirus, the entertainment industry has taken a massive knock. Due to social distancing laws, which prohibit the gathering of large groups, many artists have had to cancel live gigs, losing out on a large part of their income.
In an effort to bring some relief to these performers, talent management company, Whacked, has set up a fund in collaboration with "a number of other agencies and management companies," Jade Sellers, artist PR manager at Whacked, explains.
The fund, named, The South African Entertainment Industry Relief Fund, seeks to assist more than 100 local artists, including actors, comedians, business speakers, magicians, DJs and bands. "We have chosen to assist all types of artists who have lost out on work during this time," Jade tells us.
She adds: "The funds are being raised to assist artists/speakers who, without club events, product launches, public shows and corporate events, are unable to cover bills and put food on the table for them and their families."
Jade says the goal is to "keep them [artists] afloat during these difficult times".
"As part-time employees or contract workers, many of these artists are unable to apply for UIF or any other form of benefit relief during this time," she goes on to say.
Those who are able to contribute to the South African Entertainment Industry Relief Fund have been asked to do so by visiting their crowdfunding page on Go Get Funding.
According to Jade, a goal of 3 million has been set, "but any amount would help the artists".
