DJ Shimza takes decks to virtual space with digital ‘quarantine party’
Self-isolation and strict regulations haven’t stopped the cream of South Africa’s music industry from putting together a fun digital party.
Creativity is at its peak among artists who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak with Ashley “Shimza” Raphala hosting a “quarantine party” with DJs Zinhle, PH, Darque, Maphorisa, Kabza and tribal house act Black Motion.
The online gig was streamed on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube on Saturday evening and featured each DJ playing a hot set that would easily have gotten throngs of music lovers on the dance floor.
The innovative event lasted six hours and clocked in 720 000 viewers on Facebook while 220 000 people watched it on their Twitter timelines.
Watch the full online stream below
Artists ‘playing their part’
Speaking to The Sowetan, Raphala said the idea behind the party was to entertain people who couldn’t go out as they usually do because of the rising numbers of people contracting the coronavirus.
“At first, I just wanted to create a platform for us just to show the corporate world the amount of power we have and what the internet can do, so they can invest and reach their target market. In the midst of everything that is happening, we know people are sitting at home and we wanted to make sure they are entertained and having a lot of fun.
“We made sure that people are not bored and stay indoors for their own safety. As artists we have to play our part and not let government do the job alone,” Raphala told the daily newspaper.
Possibility of becoming regular feature
Raphala added that the party would become a regular feature and depending on sponsors, an announcement would be made on the exact dates that it would stream on social networks.
Reaction to the digital party was positive with many commending the DJs for bringing awareness to the COVID-19 outbreak as between sets they would use hand sanitiser and clean the equipment before each DJ’s performance.
Entertainment industry and COVID-19
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to tighten regulations around the public’s movements when he addresses the nation on Monday evening 23 March. The government has issued bans on public gatherings of more than 100 people and issued measures which a 18:00 curfew on selling alcohol in restaurants, cafes and bars.
The entertainment industry has been one of the hardest-hit sectors as artists have had their gigs, bookings and concerts cancelled and postponed.