THE arts industry is facing the usual annual hard times that afflict all sectors of the economy and the general working class in January.
NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT
Bulawayo music promoter DJ Joe Tha Og said business was presently very low as most revellers usually have little or no disposable income during this period.
“To be frank, January is a month for us to rest as there is not much activity.
That is why you will see that most people do not organise shows or other events during this month because people do not turn up.
People are tired and want to rest and focus on other things such as school fees for their children,” Tha Og said.
“Judging from past years, business will be a bit better in February when clubs and other leisure centres celebrate Valentine’s Day, but slows down again after that day. It usually gets better from March and I believe this is a trend everywhere,” he said.
Plumtree DJ, Dumisani, who plays at Kombani Lodge and at 4 J’s Bar, said attendance is currently low at the two leisure centres.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“We are continuing to entertain patrons although attendance is low. We are, however, not hosting any big shows as Plumtree is a small town and to organise big events during this time is a guaranteed huge loss,” Dumisani said.
Victoria Falls group Ubuntu Bomuntu’s Sibangilizwe Sibanda said business was bad for them even during the festive season and attributed the slump to the liquidity crunch.
He said people had no disposable income and therefore did not consider entertainment as a priority.
“The 2014 festive season was not the same as other years at the Elephant Hills Hotel where we are attached. There was a very low attendance which has spilled into January. The economic situation is bad and people’s priorities have changed.Their spending is limited,” he said.
