Promoters skeptical about entertainment recovery
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday January 16, 2022 06:00
The entertainment industry was among the hardest hit sectors the world over, Botswana included. In Botswana, the industry shutdown lasted for over 19 months, throwing industry players into panic as to whether the industry will be able to recover post the restrictions.
While the industry seemingly stormed to life after the shutdown was lifted in September 2021 with many events attracting large crowds, Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA) says there is still a long way to go with uncertainties brought by COVID-19.
BEPA president Gilbert Seagile said the new infections remain a ‘black cloud’ hovering over the recovery of the sector. When giving update on the recovery of the sector on Tuesday, Seagile said festivals are now struggling to sell pre-sold tickets on time, which now affects event management.
“There was panic during this past festive and it was not easy to plan a festival and sell many tickets in advance. Pre-sold tickets are important. But they are not moving fast because there is uncertainty among our patrons and revellers as to what if the event gets postponed due to the ban of music festivals while I have already bought a ticket,” lamented Seagile.
PP Wa Pimp, as Seagile is known in the music industry, said patrons are asking themselves questions such as; what if the main act does not pitch due to COVID-19; what if they close and the event is postponed, will I get a refund?
He said all this brought uncertainty leading people deciding not to buy tickets upfront. He said this also made it very difficult for promoters to comply with some of the protocols. He explained that pre-sold tickets are very important as they help promoters keep a register of event patrons. PP wa Pimp also called out law enforcement for failing to enforce the law during festivals. However, he said he is convinced that BEPA members complied with the COVID-19 regulations on mass gatherings despite a few hiccups. He said there is a Code of Conduct for all their members to follow.