NAVIGATING COVID-19: CHALLENGES AND SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FOR NIGERIAN PERFORMING ARTISTS

Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges to Nigerian performing artists in the year 2020; thus, threatening livelihoods, artistic expression and mental well-being. All these in the midst of existing inadequate support systems, policies and infrastructure decay, thereby entrenching vulnerabilities. This paper therefore investigates the socio-economic and psychological impacts on the creative industry and in particular, Nigerian performing artists and identifies some survival strategies to surmounting the challenges during the pandemic. The study findings indicates that although, some of the measures put in place by the government were meant to tame the scourge of COVID-19, they eventually became the ‘nightmares’ of many especially in the creative industry across the country as their means of livelihood became threatened via job losses and so on. Thus, as a means of survival, some decided to hone their creativity by switching over to online and digital media platforms in dance, drama, music and other entertaining genres. Through qualitative methodology approach, the paper employs in-depth interviews and content analysis of internet platforms. In addition, the paper was guided by resilience theory, which concentrated on coping techniques, transformative tactics and adaptive methods engaged in by Nigerian performing artists. Conclusively, it is imperative for all the stakeholders to build strong support, make provision for sustainable resources for mental health, government financing and regulatory assistance with adequate preparation to embracing digital space in case of future occurrence.