How entertainers are coping with Coronavirus disruptions

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

For some of the affected players in the industry, the effect of the pandemic did not stop them from continuing with business as usual, the fact that they would be facing an empty crowd, notwithstanding.

Fun Factory, a sketch comedy outfit, is one that went to the drawing board to come up with online shows.

The group had, for the last 10 years, staged a weekly comedy show on Thursdays. The lockdown on gatherings got them thinking.

Their next show was staged with no crowd, but live on their Facebook and YouTube platforms.

Various artistes including Bebe Cool have come together to record songs and sensitise the public about Coronavirus. File Photo

Hannington Bugingo, the director of Fun Factory, revealed that much as the disease affected their weekly show and sales, they could not let the effect trickle down to their fans.

"In times like these, what the public needs is a fun moment that can relieve them of the fear and somber mood. We, therefore, endeavour to keep making our fans happy in any way possible," Bugingo says.

The comedy group was gearing upfor their 10-year anniversary with a show dubbed, "5 Star Madness" on April 9 at Kampala Serena Hotel, but had to cancel it.

Bugingo added that this was a big blow to them and as a group, they are hoping that the pandemic ends sooner than later so that they go on with their show.

For artistes Bebe Cool, A Pass, Fresh Kid, Vinka, Azawie and John Blaq, they recently hit the studio to record a joint song about the virus titled, Corona Distance.

Bebe Cool started by calling on various musicians to take part in the song in a bid to instill confidence in the public.

Musician-turned-politician, Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), also recorded a song titled, Coronavirus Alert, featuring Nubian Li, about the same cause.