COVID-19 pandemic wreaks havoc on SA entertainment industry

The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc in the South African entertainment industry. While artists try to make ends meet, concert venues are also taking a knock.

The recent sale of The Dome in the north of Johannesburg is one example.

The Southern African Association for the conference industry is calling on government to open up events venues to accommodate half the capacity of a venue.

First opening its doors to the public with a Diana Ross concert, The Dome has been the Colosseum of South African concerts.

From hip hop billionaire rapper Jay Z to RnB’s most loved singer, John Legend, to Chris Brown, the Dome has been home to the country’s big concerts for both international and local stars.

Even Johnny Clegg played the last leg of his 2017 King of Time world Tour before he lost his battle to cancer.

For the father of four Philip Radebe, the dome represents his career. He started at the venue as a Floor Manager and he rose through the ranks to Operations Manager. And today it’s a final farewell for Radebe as the events space will be under new management with totally different plans.

While the venue had been sold to a major second-hand car dealership. Those in the events and conference space say that this could be the future for many other mega venues if COVID-19 restrictions are not relaxed.

Entertainment Industry players are projecting losses amounting to over R1,7 billion since the beginning of the lockdown.

Calls on government to open up event venues to 50% of capacity in the video below: