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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Senior Arts Reporter
Arts events in and around Zimbabwe would have to be put on hold following the Government’s decision to postpone public gatherings as a preventative measure against Covid 19.
In his State of the Nation Address yesterday, President Mnangagwa postponed with immediate effect all public gatherings for 60 days.
President Mnangagwa has since declared the pandemic a national disaster.
Congregations of more than 100 people were suspended, a development that effectively means that any arts event with such kind of a crowd will be a no-no.
Major arts events which were expected to take place include Stephen Chifunyise International festival where more than 500 local and international artists including those from Canada were expected to convene. Other arts and entertainment events such as the Zim Achievers Award and Zim-Thrive even the monthly event Cook Out will have to be put on hold.
On the music scene, most majormusical shows will have to fall off the ladder as the Government takes the necessary measures to guard against Covid 19 outbreak in Zimbabwe.
Jah Prayzah and Sulumani Chimbetu will have to shelf off their album launches until the coast is clear, whilst the Nigerian musician, Burna Boy’s show pencilled for Independence will also be postponed.
He was expected to share the stage with Ammara Brown, Winky D, Tammy Moyo, Takudzwa and Enzo Ishall. Jamaican music sensation Turbulence’s show in Victoria Falls ahead of independence celebrations has also been shelved.
Several musicians who were to host their weekend shows will now need now need to shelve their shows.
The other affected event will be the Zimdancehall queen talent clash organised by Erica Sabi, where upcoming local women in the genre were expected to showcase their artwork.
So far 8000 travellers have been screened for Corona Virus, a majority of whom passed through the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Over 7 000 people globally have since died of Corona Virus, while almost 180 000 others have been infected.
Online Reporter