Industries across the country have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and since sectors of the economy have been gradually opened, the entertainment industry still suffers. This according to artists who have voiced out their concerns over how their livelihoods have been affected as they have not received any income for over 6 months.

Read more: Local Artists Call For The President To Open Up The Country

KZN artists gathered on the N3 freeway to protest calling the president to open up the country as they are set to lose everything.

Speaking to Isolezwe, Dladla Mshunqisi has expressed concern over the lack of sympathy the government has where artists are concerned.

He said artists are concerned over their livelihoods as they could lose all they have worked hard for. They were also disappointed at how the police treated them when they were protesting last week on the N3.

Videos from the scene went viral and the one that had people in stitches was of a fearful Dladla Mshunqisi running for his life, escaping teargases and trying to not get himself arrested. He has earned himself the title of ‘Mgijimi.’

See also: Dladla Mshunqisi Leaves Many In Stitches As He Runs Away From Cops!

As much as people laugh at the outcome of their protest, he is fearful that he could lose his house, car and all that he pays for, should restrictions continue.

“This is really painful. We have been working and saving money for rainy days, but this has gone on for far too long. We never expected that we would not work for such a long time.

“As it is the 3 months I was given by the bank to pay up have passed. The police treated us like criminals and that hurts. I was not arrested but I don’t wish the brutality we suffered on another person. As it is my chest is still suppressed, I cannot breath properly because of the teargas,” he told the publication, who added that he has been coughing during the interview.

He has urged other artists and industry people who are suffering to keep hope alive, all will be well. “As much as this hurts our job is not taken seriously, people do not see it as a real job. I have learned to not only depend on making music but look for other avenues of making money,” he said.

He is set to release a song titled ‘Goliath’ that he hopes people will dance to in December.

Read next: “I’m Still The Same Nomcebo I Was”

Picture credit: Briefly.com