Zimbabwe: Stricter Lockdown Puts Freeze On Live Shows

A Number of High — profile social events were forced to postpone scheduled shows as a result of the latest lockdown restrictions.

Soulistic Agency, owned by DJ Black Coffee, has cancelled the three-day music and arts festival, "For The Youth Weekender", which was supposed to take place as part of Youth Day commemoration from June 18 to 20 at Carfax in Newtown, Johannesburg.

The show planned to launch under the theme "We Don't Play The Same Gqom", with headliner Distruction Boyz supported by DJ Lag, DJ Tira, DBN Gogo, Babes Wodumo, Mr JazziQ among others.

New school hip hop was then scheduled to take over on Saturday under the theme "PartyTime Playroom". The line-up featured Blxckie, Flvme, Costa Titch, DJ PH, Dee Khoala, Loki, 031 Choppa, Lucasraps and Venom.

The event would have then closed on a high with Black Coffee on Sunday under the theme "Africa Is Not A Jungle". Black Motion, Da Capo, Lemon & Herb, DJ Le Soul, Caiiro, Enoo Napa and Da Africa Deep were also on the line-up.

According to organisers, ticket holders should save their tickets for a new date in Spring.

"Following the rise of new confirmed Covid-19 cases and the new regulations outlined by the president [Cyril Ramaphosa] during his address on the 30th of May 2021, we feel it would be irresponsible of us to continue with this event on the current scheduled date," said Neo Chabedi, spokesperson for the organisers.

"A show of this magnitude needs to be done the right way and put the safety of the people first. We are looking at a new date this Spring."

According to adjusted alert Level 2 of the lockdown, social gatherings are permitted, but limited to 100 attendees or less for indoor depending on the venue; while for outdoor venues 250 people or less may attend.

Joburg Theatre and Showtime Australia have postponed the upcoming season of "The Greatest Love of All ", starring Belinda Davids - which pays tribute to Whitney Houston's musical legacy.

The latest leg was scheduled to stage in August and has now been moved to March.

"This is the second time the season has had to be postponed... [The restrictions] also affect international travel plans for the show's international cast and crew members," said Kristy Mathews from The Showtime Australia Group.

"Patrons who hold tickets for the August 2021 shows will be contacted by the theatre box office this week regarding re-ticketing and refund options."

Gregory Maqoma's "Cion: Requiem of Ravel's Bolero" has also been postponed by Joburg Theatre.

The production that fuses a contemporary African dance led by Maqoma and the harmonies of Soweto Gospel Choir will now stage between August 27 and September 5. It was scheduled to run from June 17 to 27.

"While adhering to the Covid-19 legislation and following the president's instructions so that we can overcome this unprecedented pandemic together with the Vuyani Dance Theatre, we decided to postpone the show for a bigger audience that our patrons are accustomed to," said Joburg City Theatres CEO Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema. - sowetan

This article originally appeared on The Herald

Photo: VOA