AS the country moves to adjusted level 2 lockdown, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) has called for additional measures to allow artists and performers to earn a decent living.
SAMRO CEO Mark Rosin said that while the organisation is encouraged by the eased restrictions under level 2 lockdown , introducing vaccine passports for live events, would help to breath life into the ailing music industry.
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“Artists and musicians have taken a severe battering during the Covid-19 lockdown which effectively placed a ban on all public performances. This has seriously impeded the ability of artists and performers to earn a living and left most of our members struggling financially,” said Rosin.
While gatherings are now limited to 250 people indoors and 500 people outdoors, Rosin has called for more decisive measures.
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“While SAMRO has been working tirelessly to collect royalties and broaden revenue streams for its members, the main source of income for artists remains the ability to perform at live events. Considering the devastating effect that the Covid-19 lockdown has had on musicians’ ability to earn a living, we urge a return to live performances as soon as possible, in a controlled environment,” he said.
“Introducing vaccine passports as a prerequisite for attending live events would be the ideal solution to ensuring public safety and curbing the spread of the virus, while also affording artists the much-needed opportunity to earn a living,” added Rosin.
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