While Covid-19 has had a negative impact on all social and economic sectors, the arts and cultural sector has also been hard hit.
With events such as festivals, weddings and concerts being halted, artists have been finding creative ways to earn an income under the new normal.
Locally, a 31-year-old juggler, Amos Shabalala, has opted to showcase his skills on the streets of Boksburg following months of not being booked for circus shows due to the pandemic.
The Daveyton resident, who stands at various intersections in Boksburg juggling balls and swinging clubs in the quest for money from motorists, said he had to come up with alternative ways to make money, hence, he thought of street juggling.
“Since the lockdown started it’s been a dry season. I used to perform at Gold Reef City, Carnival City and various circuses around Gauteng. I used to earn a lot of money from my gigs but now since I’ve started marketing myself here on the streets, roughly per day I go home with about R250,” Shabalala said.
The multitalented juggler said he specialises in blowing fire, club swinging, stilt walking and bicycle juggling.
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Shabalala, who left school in Grade Nine, said he started juggling in 2012 after his cousin exposed him to juggling.
“I love doing what I do, I express myself through juggling and it keeps me active and healthy,” he said.
Anyone who would like to book Shabalala for private events may contact him on 064 074 9735.
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