It was lights, camera and action on Thursday night as the Buffalo City Lockdown Series, the first virtual show featuring local talent, took to screens.
The show’s artists are from the Buffalo City Performing Arts Council (BCPAC), performing under the theme “Hope Through the Arts”.
Opening up the first of a 10-episode series were local afro pop stars Nathi B, Siseko Pame and Sipho Mtsatsi, with actress Soso Rungqu stepping in as host.
The artists took to the stage of the Guild Theatre, but unlike performances before the pandemic, there was not a single audience member.
The show was broadcast via the BCPAC Artist Facebook page.
Mtsatsi, a guitarist and singer, said it was great to be on stage again.
“I was a bit nervous but I had prepared as best as I could.
“People forget that this is a calling for us as artists. It was nice to interact with people who share the same vision.”
Mtsatsi said all health regulations were adhered to, though it took some getting used to.
Violinist and singer Pame said while he was somewhat nervous, he had enjoyed the performance.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been on stage.
“It’s fun and if more shows like this could be done, I’d avail myself for that.”
Pame, who recently returned home, said the local audience may not be familiar with his music as he had mostly been based in Gauteng.
“For the show to play via the Facebook BCPAC Artist page, it gives local artists an opportunity to draw attention from a new audience.
“I’m a SA Music Award winner so it gives the audience a chance to know why I got the award.”
Nathi B said the platform provided a great opportunity for artists who had been unable to perform due to the lockdown.
“I wonder how jobs will be like going forward, performing in front of cameras instead of people?
“But I guess we’ll have to live like this because of the virus,” Nathi B said.
The showcase is funded by the National Arts Council of SA (NAC) and is set to create more than 150 jobs for artists.
The C Tone Productions show is being done in collaboration with BCPAC and five local production companies.
C-Tone Productions owner Luzuko Khohli said the show had exceeded expectations, after a few initial hiccups.
“The music was great and the artists did their best.
“We aimed to produce a high-quality product that can be broadcast nationally.
“This can take our local industry to the next level to showcase our talent,” Khohli said.
The Guild Theatre has offered its stage for the showcasing, and theatre manager Zane Flanagan said they would assess the success of the pilot programme.
“We’ll see how the virtual space can allow the arts to continue to build our nation as well as bring social cohesion to the immediate communities in and around Buffalo City,” Flanagan said.
He said the initiative needed sponsors, funders and local media partners and the theatre would welcome participation by any individuals or businesses that had an interest in keeping the arts alive in the metro.
The shows take place at 6pm on Thursdays and can be viewed on the BCPAC Artists Facebook page.
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