Life of artists in this period of the health crisis: The S.O.S of Anice Pépé

It is no joy in the music world since the advent of the coronavirus pandemic in Benin. With the maintenance of restrictive measures targeting this sector, artists of all categories no longer know which saint to devote themselves to. In front of this situation, the singer and composer Anicet Houéssou alias Anice Pépé urges these peers to courage while calling on the authorities to help them.

Edmond HOUESSIKINDE

Being an artist and making ends meet during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic is a real headache. The embargo on shows that, in the past allow players in the cultural world to live from their art remains appropriate. Indeed, discos, nightclubs and other places of cultural events are still closed in accordance with the decision of the government as part of the response to the spread of COVID-19. In addition, there are municipal decrees prohibiting festive events. A situation that makes the life of practitioners of the musical art complicated in this particular context. “To live today in this period of COVID-19 as an artist is very difficult. », complains Anice Pépé. However, he invites the authorities to think about the musical world which remains the poor relation of successive governments apart from that of the Rupture which marks the difference a little bit. “We have never had the privilege we deserve from our authorities for the very important role we play in building our country.. If it is only under President Talon, to whom I address my encouragement, that things are gradually getting better. They have the imperative duty to fly to our rescue because they have been too late to come to the aid of the cultural actors that we are.”  launches the Beninese gold record of 2010.