COVID-19: How Artists Can Utilize Social Media to Reduce Losses

As Covid-19 cases gradually increasing in Nigeria, citizens have been advised to stay home. Away from the streets where you may most likely contract the deadly virus or receive discipline from uniformed officers.

For many who have their lives outside home, this is quite unbearable. I’m referring to traders, transport operators and celebrities especially who have lost in various ways.

With the extended lockdown by the Nigerian government, Nigerians are beginning to discover new talents. Some finally discovered the Beyoncé in them. Others easily turned to motivational speakers and relationship experts.

My concern also goes to the “Fly in, Fly out, Touchdown” geng. Hope you’re all doing alright now that we cannot fly anywhere?

For the losses incurred this season, one can only imagine the number of contracts the global pandemic has stalled for artists. The most obvious loss remains the shows and concerts that were cancelled and wouldn’t happen until Covid-19 is no longer a threat.

For clarity, their source of income for the year is or may most likely be wiped out for they year. Many will have to dig into their saving.

If they actually saved. Actress, Funke Akindele popularly known as Jenifa also lost this period. We may recall the misunderstood incident which got her loosing endorsements.

While the coronavirus has affected the livelihood of entertainers, many are judiciously utilizing the benefits of social media. They take advantage by getting creative with features in apps like TikTok and Instagram.

One very effective way to stay in sight as an artist or entertainer during this global pandemic is to be constantly active and creative on social media so your fans wouldn’t lose sight of you.

The Instagram application presents the new world right now through the LIVE feature. If you’re a follower, you get notified the moment a LIVE session is about to commence.

With this feature, interesting events have happened overtime. I’m referring to the “Battle of Hits” featuring two of the greatest music producers in Africa, Sarz and Shizzi. Music lovers will know who these two legends are as they have produced numerous hits with Wizkid and Davido among many others.

Lovers of music joined this LIVE act which lasted for two hours amounting to about 48,000 viewers on an average. Sarz emerged victorious as Shizzi forgot to play HITS.

More LIVE sessions began to happen since entertainers can not step out either. LIVE Call-In programs, giveaways, free performances and the likes. Entertainers should definitely take advantage with these mediums.

On a lighter note, Nigerian artist, Zlatan Ibile Teased about not believing the coronavirus exists. He expressed his sadness over not being able to make much money due to the pandemic.

LIVE on Instagram with talent agent Bankuli. Zlatan also said he will join LIVE sessions only if he gets paid. In his words “Owo is not coming mhen”. This therefore implies that artists be paid to join live sessions.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Woli Arole engages fans with ‘The Chat Room ‘show

Speaking of taking advantage of social media during the pandemic, Diddy’s LIVE session had artists from different parts of the world tuning in. Bankuli also created “Connecting the Dots” which has so far hosted C.E.O Kennis Music- Kenny Ogungbe, Zlatan, Beats producer- Rexxie and American music manager and reality show personality, Steve Lobel. Daddy Freeze isn’t left out on hosting his own LIVE sessions with personalities like Willie XO tuning in.

Just recently, Blaqbonez hosted a LIVE session with M.I making a joke of Sarz who later tuned in to clear the air. This trended on twitter thereby engaging fans on both Instagram and twitter.

Still on taking advantage of social media during the global pandemic, DMW’s Dremo smartly dropped the album, Code Name VOL.2 which hit 1 Million streams in 48 hours. Checkout that Strategy! Knowing everyone has enough time to digest the album.

This came shortly after Innocent Idibia’s (2Face) E-Concert which happened on the 12th of April. Artists can still make moves utilizing social media.

Right now, social media is that one tool you need as an artist or organization to stay in light. Hopefully, coronavirus wouldn’t persist till the end of the year 2020. But without taking chances, earn digital money and brace for impact!