As the world continues to suffer from the COVID-19 pandemic that swept across the continents and caused a worldwide lockdown that has crippled businesses and livelihoods, Matooke Republic contacted some of our celebrities to find out their views on the lockdown, how they are spending it, lessons learnt and their post-COVID-19 plans
From the ‘King herself’ Cindy, to Lydia Jazmine, Ykee Benda to Douglas Lwanga, Alex Muhangi, Bujju, Eleanor Nabwiso and Flavia Flirsh, the celebrities were willing to tell us what they have learnt, and views about the lockdown.
Cindy, artiste
What are your views on the lockdown?
I appreciate the lockdown, I appreciate what the government is trying to do to keep everybody safe and to keep this coronavirus disease from spreading. I hope it doesn’t take too long because the disease is not killing anybody here but a lot of things are killing people because of coronavirus.
What lessons have you learnt?
Well, first of all, I have learnt that what a human being actually needs is shelter and food. Before we thought we need all those things like cars and a lot of friends, and to hang out but now we realize that what we actually need is family, shelter and food. Those are the most important things to a human being.
I have also learnt how to sink in the moment and also live for now. Not look forward to anything, not plan anything and just live now and appreciate it. This has been such an adjustment for me but I am learning to enjoy it especially now because I know this is going to end so I am taking every advantage of living in the moment.
What have you done or are you doing during this lockdown?
I have bonded a lot with my daughter and fiancé. Before this time, I was very busy with the concert and work. I had goals that I had set so high. This moment has given me time to spend with my child and my man. I have also learnt how to wake myself up for no reason, to work out at home.
I have learnt to cook certain dishes that I wasn’t interested in and I didn’t have time to do. I have written some more music and it’s been amazing. I have been thinking about so many other business ideas. It has given me time to learn and plan things.
What are your post lockdown plans?
Right now I have no plans after the lockdown. I think it all depends, I am trying not to over-plan things because really we don’t know what’s going to happen because the way the coronavirus is going, it looks like everything is going to resume really slowly especially the music industry and at the moment that is the only thing I do so I am not planning anything.
I am definitely going to keep on singing because that is what I do. Apart from that I already have my album out. It is everywhere from Spotify to Amazon. I am just planning to keep on singing.
Lydia Jazmine, artiste
What are your views on the lockdown?
Well, the lockdown is everywhere in the world, we have no option; it is the only way we can fight this COVID-19 pandemic. It has not been easy because everything is on a standstill, nobody is working.
It is not an easy situation that has taken over the whole world by storm and nobody expected it. It has not only affected us the musicians but everybody. The economy is down. We are just praying for this whole thing to get done and we get back to normal.
I am not used to being home without recording, working, and moving around. I am one person who is always on the road so it has really affected me but it is one of the measures we can take to fight COVID-19. We have no other option but to do this.
What lessons have you learnt?
As an individual, there are some things we take for granted in life. Sometimes we take the freedom we have for granted. This lockdown has taught me how to treasure each and every moment, the freedom, family, and friends.
The second thing it has taught me is saving. This situation has taught me the importance of saving and the value of life and work. The other thing is we plan as God plans.
What have you done or are you doing during this lockdown?
I am not doing much because I am home following the guidelines as we were told to do. The only thing is sometimes I go to the studio to record with Artin Pro he is my neighbour. I try to work out once in a while. Then of course bonding with family and friends, reflect on me and meditate about me. I have been able to get my ‘me time’.
What are your post lockdown plans?
That is music because that’s what I know how to do best probably release an album. The rest will follow because you never know what the future holds
Ykee Benda, musician
What are your views on the lockdown?
It’s a necessary evil.
What lessons have you learnt?
I have learnt how to always plan for adversity and a rainy day.
What have you done or are you doing during this lockdown?
Recording music like my career is just starting.
What are your post lockdown plans?
Investment into other business ventures, resume serious music, may even have more kids life is becoming so unpredictable.
Douglas lwanga, TV presenter
What are your views on the lockdown?
The lockdown is what I can say is a necessary evil. It came both with the good and bad, we needed to do it as a country although it is something you wouldn’t love to ever happen to the world. Sadly, no one is responsible for it and no one is to blame, bottom line we are under lockdown for our own health and safety.
What lessons have you learnt?
This has taught me that life is defined but family is where life begins and ends. In all you do, keep your family close and never forget to be there for your own family. It has also taught me that God has the power to stop this world and whatever is in it plus all the things we treasure as humans. Imagine you can’t travel, move and the whole world is on standstill. If it is not God then who else has such power?
What have you done or are you doing during this lockdown?
Luckily enough my job was permitted to go on. So I have been working on TV (NBS After 5 and Katchup) Monday to Friday although with a few adjustments. I have taken time to bond with my family and friends as I was previously occupied with so much work. I could barely get time to connect with those I love.
What are your post lockdown plans?
I want to enter into a new field of work which is not entertainment as I previously put all my energies into entertainment and it was one of the worst-hit sectors during the COVID-19 lockdown. Probably some farming or even real estate would work for me.
Alex Muhangi, Comedy Store Uganda comedian
What are your views on the lockdown?
Allow me to use this opportunity to thank the Ugandan government for issuing the lockdown. This is the only way Uganda has managed to keep out of the COVID-19 trouble.
What lessons have you learnt?
The lockdown has positively impacted us in one way or another, we are getting to know each other as spouses and family at large, I personally had never rested like this in the last 10 years and I think it is always good to chill a bit
What have you done or are you doing during this lockdown?
As a creative, I have written a few scripts which will definitely give us a new face and change the world we live in when we return.
What are your post lockdown plans?
Fingers crossed. I am definitely not the guy who says out plans before execution but there is a lot on my plate coming your way. Make positive use of the lockdown, I wish y’all a corona-free attitude and a quick return to our daily life.
Hannighton Bugingo, Fun Factory comedian
What are your views on the lockdown?
The lockdown has changed the world forever. We had never experienced this; we were just watching this in movies like contagion. The lockdown has been dictated by a certain few sharp minds in the world who are taking control of the world. It has changed and challenged us, the rich and the poor are all the same. It is one thing that is going to change our lives forever.
What lessons have you learnt?
I have learnt that you have to be prepared. Many times as Ugandans, we don’t plan for the future. I have learnt the relevance of saving because you never know what will happen tomorrow. Patience of course, and that I can also be home, enjoy, and relax.
What have you done or are you doing during this lockdown?
I am reading books. Right now I am reading Cross to the Gun by Bernard Rwehururu. I am also watching a lot of TV and of course, drinking my Johnnie Walker.
What are your post lockdown plans?
I don’t have plans because you don’t know when the lockdown will be opened. I also hear rumours that for the entertainers, we may not be allowed to hold concerts until when they get a vaccine next year.
I don’t have any plans I just want the lockdown to end. Of course when it is all done, we will shoot Mizigo express. It is a comedy show that runs on Pearl Magic and will definitely continue influencing for Johnnie Walker.
Flavia Flirsh, Captain, Ugandan Ladies Basketball Team
What lessons have you learnt?
I have learnt that one needs to always be prepared for anything and our most-prized possessions are what we can’t see. That includes friends, love, and family.
What have you done or are you doing during this lockdown?
I am spending time teaching my daughter the different life values, trying out different food recipes and fuelling my love for cooking. I am also doing workouts that I normally wouldn’t get to do.
What are your post lockdown plans?
I am trying to get back to some normalcy and I am finally seeing friends.
Eleanor Nabwiso, actress
What are your views on the lockdown?
My view on the lockdown is that it is important for us, as it has helped avoid many more people from getting infected.
What lessons have you learnt?
It has made me see the relevance of a saving culture. You never know when a pandemic will hit. Online jobs should be embraced more because you are assured of working even after a pandemic.
What have you done or are you doing during this lockdown?
We are doing a lot of cooking. I have learnt a lot of recipes for food and bakery. I am also working out a lot and having enough rest.
What are your post lockdown plans?
I mostly want to produce a lot more content and expand Nabwiso Films.