Before the pandemic, major live shows were usually planned out months in advance. But for over a year now, concerts and shows have been on a crashing halt and the industry, which was of one of the earliest forced to shut down, has been profoundly affected in the process. Besides struggling with finances, Remmy Lubega, the C.E.O of RG Consult that manages Neptunez Band and their newest Nep Queenz, told The New Times that live musicians have suffered health-wise as they try to adapt to a new life outside their work routine. “A number of them started getting depressed, and are still are. I was advised by a doctor to get them out there and perform, even if it meant performing for free, just so they can be able to get out and feel alive again. They performed at hotel apartments, we did like two gigs for free and that is when you could see life coming back to these young ladies (Nep Queenz),” Lubega said. When ceremonies resumed from time to time, it came as a relief to the bands. However, given the strict number of attendants, live bands get few hires from them. “We get contacted for a few weddings, but it is not like scheduled weddings before the pandemic and they don’t bring a big income,” said Holy Ishimwe a member of Acoustica band. Parting ways Like many entertainers, live musicians have had it rough trying to earn from their talent and had no choice but to resort to alternative means. “Some members had abandoned the band and turned to other businesses that are more profitable in this period. There are some artistes that started selling groceries to see if they can survive and most of them went back to their villages the last I checked,” said Lubega. Lubega’s band was not the only one affected by the situation. The situation is even worse for the unpopular bands, seeing that they do not get a chance to perform at ceremonies. “Survival was very hard because performing in a band was my source of income. We decided to split and focus on something that can support us during these hard times. I am currently a university student with no job,” said Alice Nikeza who was a member of Imirasire band. Possible solutions Ishimwe believes that there are possible solutions to support live artistes, as they strive to survive in the pandemic and look for alternative means to redirect their talent into business. “There are many ways hotels and restaurants can help us. For example, other than playing music from their speakers, they can hire us, seeing that many people enjoy live music,” he said. “They could arrange for a few of the band members to perform for them so that guidelines can be followed,” he added. Lubega also added: “I think there could be a stimulus for these musicians, a support may be from these banks if they can advise them on how to invest in a new business that is guaranteed.”
