Oooth ‘plays it forward’ for tattoo artists in need
RANDPARK - Local musician Jason Oosthuizen has decided to use this time to 'play it forward' and give back to the tattoo artists of South Africa who are struggling to make ends meet during the Covid-19 lockdown period.
Local musician Jason Oosthuizen has decided to use this time to ‘play it forward’ and give back to the tattoo artists of South Africa who are struggling to make ends meet during the Covid-19 lockdown period.
Since the lockdown began, many industries have been left unable to trade, including musicians, theatre and entertainment technicians as well as about 380 tattoo artists countrywide.
Oosthuizen is a well-known musician for bands Van Coke Kartel and The Narrow, and is the frontman for Oooth.
He said just like the musicians, tattoo artists were struggling through this time with not being able to work and to generate an income. Throughout Oosthuizen’s career, he has made many friends in the tattoo industry who sponsored him with many tattoos.
He decided it was now time to give back in the form of a live Facebook and YouTube performance to raise awareness through social media.
The Randburg Sun spoke to Oosthuizen to ask him why an event such as this was so important now in these times.
“The lockdown has had a very negative effect on so many people, musicians especially, as most of us make a living by performing live. This is the same for tattoo artists,” he said.
“I am in constant contact with some of my tattoo friends and they are struggling severely not being able to tattoo.”
He said in a time like this, we all needed to raise awareness wherever and for whomever we could.
“I chose these guys as they have given me so many discounted and free tattoos in the past, so instead of just sitting at home waiting, it’s time to pay it forward.”
Oosthuizen added that members of the tattoo industry were very close to his heart.
“Not only are they some of the coolest and caring people out there, but also they are artists like myself. Not only do they need funding but more so they are one of the industries that are left in the dark as to what their future holds and when they can operate again.”
Another thing that plays on my mind, and many of these artists, is that they are used to operating under strict health and safety conditions every single day, so operating during lockdown should be a breeze for them. They wear their masks, gloves and use sanitary products the entire time. It’s the same as being in a hospital, you cannot get safer than that.
“The show will feature four of the top tattoo artists in Gauteng as well as a mystery online guest in an interview session, followed by a live performance by Oosthuizen’s rock band, Oooth, in support for Tattooers Unite SA, SOS Charity Fund and #FeedOurCrew.
“Before and after the show, we want to encourage people to donate any amount they can afford. Tattoo artists and technicians are in a tough situation right now and we want to do our bit to help.”
The event will take place on 19 June at 7.30pm on Oooth’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
Entrance is free, and donations are encouraged.
Details: Oooth’s Facebook page
