Andy Mwag and the Effect of COVID on Musicians

  

Hi everyone. This is the latest video by our lovely friend Andy Mwag. You might remember, he helped put a string on our piano some years back. 

 

He's a really talented musician, and used to play each week here in Kigali. Seriously, the best live music in the city, often with guest appearances from amazing DRC and Burundian musicians. Marion and her friend Harris had some brilliant nights out with the Viva Beats crew. 

 

Sadly, when COVID hit, it completely wiped out the live music scene in Kigali. As a gigging musician, Andy couldn't make enough to support his wife and two young kids, so they had to move back to their home country of Burundi, which required special permission from their embassy as all the borders were closed. It was a really sad day to see them go, and our friend Emmy drove them to the checkpoint.

 

At the Border between Rwanda and Burundi

 

He's still continuing to make music in Burundi, but life is not much easier. For as long as restrictions and social distancing remain in place, many musicians are struggling to make a living.

If you'd like to help support him, you can buy his music online.