On Wednesday Singers Naima kay, Dladla Mshunqisi and other local artists caused a traffic disruption in Durban when they staged a protest on the N3.
Along with other artist such as DJ Tira actors Khaya Dladla and Dawn Thandeka King and local event planners and business people, the group set up a stage on the EB Cloete Interchange and hosted a mini-concert.
The reason for thier protest was the lockdown regulations and the limitation of people at venues which were impacting on their pockets.
Armed with placards, the group was demanding to be taken seriously by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
As the protest gained momentum, the #VulaPresident started trending on Twitter.
Many local artists who were not at the protest tweeted their support.
Shimza tweeted: “Yes it’s entertainment for you but to artists, it’s their livelihood.
After Durban Metro Police fired teargas to disperse the crowd, Black Coffee asked why were artists being treated that way. “What has our industry done to receive such vile treatment,we need your intervention Mr President”, he said.
The national lockdown was implemented in South Africa in March and has seen a number of industries suffer major losses, including the entertainment industry.null
Despite the downgrades over the months, artists say they are still having to cut back as regulations do not allow for larger gatherings.
As per level 2 regulations, nightclubs remain closed while pubs and bars are open for business, under restricted guidelines.
