This is not the best of times for music superstars as major tours and concerts are being postponed or cancelled following the growing concerns over the Coronavirus pandemic that is currently ravaging the world.
Nigerian music superstar, Davido, announced the postponement of his highly publicized tour of North America and Canada in March/April 2020 tagged “A Good Time Tour.”
In a statement by the management of Duke Concept Entertainment, conveners of the tour, the tour was postponed due to “the government has restricted every large gathering at this time as seen in every major news.”
“We deeply regret to announce the postponement of all tour dates. Our team has tried everything in our ability to make this show happen; however, the government has restricted every large gathering at this time as seen in every major news. The new tour dates will be announced as soon as the ban is lifted. We will be issuing full refunds to all individuals please allow up to 2-3weeks.”
Also, Afro-soul singer, Bukola Elemide, popularly known as Asa, also cancelled her ‘Lucid’ tours in Europe. According to the singer, Nigeria’s show is also postponed.
Asa’s decision is coming as the European Union moves to seal its borders amid the coronavirus crisis.
Europe has been badly hit by the virus, which has killed over 100,000 globally. Asa’s ‘Lucid’ tour, which started in 2019, was set to continue this year with a London date fixed for March 29.
Announcing the postponement, Asa said: “Due to the developing Covid-19 situation, and for your health and safety, I am sad to announce that I will be rescheduling my shows in London on March 29th, in Lagos on April 11th and in Abuja on April 13. All purchased tickets will be duly refunded and a new date will be announced as soon as possible.”
Ace-comedian, Francis Agoda popularly known as I Go Dye, in a statement released on social media announced the postponement of his 25th-anniversary show which was billed to hold on 12th of April (Easter Sunday) due to coronavirus.
He wrote: “This period calls for concern and sober reflection, it’s a moment of trying times. I can’t be celebrating now, as cases of coronavirus disease continue to be identified in many countries. The effort to stem its spread has kept some 290 million students home from school. According to the United Nations, as of Tuesday, 22 February.”
“I feel for those who are affected globally. We may not be directly affected for now, but there are many people globally that are been put under pressure, fear and threat of sudden death. As I pray for lasting peace, I ask for prayers and goodwill to be shared among us.”
“For the sake of my fans, brothers, sisters and all those kept in isolation globally, because of coronavirus, I share their pain and I and my partner @primeview_label has decided to postpone this celebration.” Source: Vanguard The Nigerian film industry is also not left out as it is increasingly counting its loses. As a result, five Nollywood movie productions have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Film exhibitors in Lagos shut their doors in adherence to the state’s directive on public gatherings. The suspension of cinema operations invariably affected movies slated for release and the ones already screening.
However, films with scheduled release dates are not the only ones affected by the outbreak. Film productions are also suspending activities as the country struggles to manage the adverse effect of the virus.
Check out the 5 Nollywood movies that have had production activities halted due to the coronavirus outbreak.
- La Femme Anjola – The Audrey Silva Company
La Femme Anjola is a noir psychological thriller starring Rita Dominic and Nonso Bassey.
The 2020 release of the noir psychological thriller now appears to be on shaky grounds. Director, Mildred Okwo confirmed in a recent chat with Pulse that while the movie is at its final post-production stage, the restriction of movement has affected its final mix.
Plans for the screening of ‘La Femme Anjola’ at film festivals have also been affected as the pandemic continues to force international film festivals to push back scheduled events. - The One for Sarah – Trino Motion Pictures
In February, Kemi Lala Akindoju was unveiled as the casting director for “‘The One for Sarah’.
Trino Motion pictures’ upcoming romance has also been hit by the coronavirus. Before the Covid-19 outbreak in Nigeria, producers of ‘The One for Sarah’ had set principal photography for April 2020. Production plans have slowed down as the production company closed office days ago.
According to yet to be verified sources, the film producers have reached out to Ghanaian actors Lydia Forson and Joselyn Dumas to join the cast. Actress, Ini Dima-Okojie is also in talks to play the lead character. - Nneka the Pretty Serpent – Play Network Studios.
The remake of ‘Nneka the Pretty Serpent’ by Play Network studios has also suffered major setbacks. Auditions for the lead cast was ongoing before the first cases of Covid-19 was announced in Nigeria. While the auditions in Owerri, Abuja and Lagos completed their run, the next stage of preproduction has slowed down following the government’s advice that citizens practice social distancing. - Sanitation Day- Filmone Productions
The title art contains the words murder, deceit in different Nigerian languages.
Principal photography for the upcoming crime thriller has been suspended following the outbreak in Nigeria. Filmone’s head of production, Mimi Bartels confirmed that activities were suspended before Monday, March 23, 2020. - Netflix Naija original series
Kate Henshaw, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Richard Mofe Damijo are among the ensemble cast for Netflix Naija’s first original series.
Production activities for the anticipated series were among the earliest ongoing film productions to be suspended in Nigeria.
According to multiple sources, the Akin Omotoso directed series halted all activities following a directive from the US streamer. Source: pulse.ng