As the world continues to face the new coronavirus pandemic, the cases continue to go up and more countries are on lockdown to contain the spread. With all activities put on hold until the situation stabilises, artistes and entertainers are finding ways to stay connected to their fans using social media platforms. Rwanda, like many countries, continues to observe the lockdown till April 19, which could also be extended. For many, staying at home means having little or no entertainment to look up to. However, entertainers have become creative and found ways to still conduct shows for their fans using online platforms, mainly Instagram and YouTube. Veejay Nano, one of the leading video jockeys in Rwanda, has been doing live shows on Instagram for a year now, and said that the number of viewers has increased during this period. “Before, these shows didn’t have a lot of viewers but now that people are staying home with much less to do, they’re shifting to online shows,” he said. VJ Nano. He said before people preferred clubs with their friends and also Deejays preferred playing for a live audience and didn’t embrace technology but today the only option is playing online which is why Instagram live shows are becoming popular. Connecting with everyone Online shows have helped the DJs to connect with their fans at the time when all entertainment events are on hold. Even better, some people who don’t normally go to clubs or bars have joined in to enjoy online shows. DJ Toxxyk, one of the leading names in the music industry in Rwanda, has followed into the footsteps of VJ Nano, setting up his own online performances. He says other Deejays around the world, especially amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, have found ways to keep their fans entertained. The youthful disc jockey, who started doing Instagram live shows recently, acknowledged that this period has enabled them to meet and serve their new fans who do not usually club but love good music. “These shows have been a good experience for me and a way to meet new fans that I did not know mostly because they do not club for various reasons,” the 27-year-old told The New Times, adding that he plans to do more shows even after the lockdown is lifted. The “Pull-up” singer recently hosted a live show on Uzuri K&Y, an African inspired shoe brand and manufacturer’s Instagram account, during which his viewers took to social media to appreciate the show. “So @djtoxxyk got me on my feet and grinding mu kazi kabandi (at work) thank you for the show, it was lit (fire emoji),” Divine Rusa, a medical doctor, who was at work wrote on her twitter page. Among the challenges, both disc and video jockeys pointed out that copyright issues-as they play other artistes songs which Instagram does not allow, often cutting the live shows off. DJ Toxxyk added that slow Internet too worsens the experience for fans and for DJs, while streaming live. Online shows are considered part of the artistes’ work and are monetized. Among the artistes who are cashing in on online shows is Bruce Melodie. Singer Bruce Melodie. The R&B and pop singer has been keeping his fans busy, giving them what to watch on YouTube and other platforms. A few hours before his Instagram live concert, the “fresh” and “henzapu” hitmaker told The New Times that he decided to keep working and the money keeps coming even though it might be online shows. “Work must go on regardless of the situation. Online platforms have ways of paying us. For example, YouTube pays per views if you channel is monetized,” he said adding that his fans were blown away when he recently streamed live his a session while recording a song. Bruce Melodie said fans are asking him to do even more. The local stars have also joined hands with the Ministry of Health to sensitize people on COVID-19 and encourage them to stay home.
