Byo artiste goes virtual in keeping with new normal
Patience Moyo
BULAWAYO-By necessitating restrictions such as the need for social distancing, the novel corona virus has forced artistes to look to other avenues other than live, physical performances in order to reach out to their audiences. Charles Banda, leader of Sunduza Dance Theatre revealed that his outfit is no exception to the new normal imposed upon society by the pandemic.
Speaking to this publication, Banda who is popularly known as ‘Mahlaba’ said the new normal has adversely affected the work of artistes so much so that they have had to resort to virtual platforms to maintain visibility and keep their audience entertained.
Mahlaba is the son of the late music legend and founder of Sunduza Dance Theatre, Simon Banda. The younger Mahlaba who used to be a footballer exchanged his boots for the microphone in order to keep alive the legacy of his father who was renowned for music, dance and theatre.
Mahlaba said the pandemic has hit his pockets hard because the live shows were his source of income. Moreover, he bemoaned that performances done virtually could never give him the same same experience he had with live performances.
“The work has been greatly affected especially now that we no longer have that feel of a live audience. We are also missing out on the revenue that comes with live performances. However, we have to be content with online events that are helping us maintain visibility and keep our audience entertained in the comfort of their homes,” he said.
He revealed that his next virtual perfomance will be a collaboration with Allience Franciase de Bulawayo, an organisation dedicated to promoting the study and use of French language as well as supporting arts and cultural events within Bulawayo.The event will be live on the Allience Franchise Facebook page on the 20th of August, 2021.
One of Sunduza Dance Theatre’s backing vocalists, Ntandoyenkosi Sithole expressed his excitement at the upcoming event. He also intimated on his reaction to the news.
” News of the upcoming event was music to my ears because such opportunities keep you rolling as an artist even though perfoming for the camera will never be the same as performing before a live audience,” said an elated Sithole.
The Sunduza Dance Theatre leader is grateful for receiving positive feedback from the fans on his single ‘Umvundla lonteletsha’ which was recently launched.
“It was well received on radio stations and people were rating it at 8/10 and 9/10. So there has been some good feedback. The people were so thrilled in response to the way l packaged the storytelling into the musical,” said Mahlaba.
A bubbly Mahlaba was drawn to disclose that he is currently working on a new album which will be launched soon. The new album will also feature some collaborations with several other local artistes.
” l have done a song with Helen Nyati,Ishmael Muvhingi, Vikmoe,Mwezi,Qeqeshiwe and Ntando,” he added.
As the world grapples with the Covid 19 pandemic, the music industry has emerged as one of the hardest hit sectors and upcoming artistes are the most vulnerable as most do not have anything else to fall back on.
