By A Correspondent- Local musicians and their associations have sought an audience with President Emmerson Mnangagwa whom they want to lift the ban on public shows.

The arts associations under the banner All-Music Associations and Arts Promoters in Zimbabwe said they want to meet the head of state and make him appreciate the sufferings they are enduring as a result of the continued ban on live performances.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak in March last year, physical gatherings for live concerts have remained banned as part of a raft of measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus and as a result, most artists are struggling to survive.

Most artistes have been reduced to beggars and are now turning to the government for assistance as their plight continues to worsen while other sectors have been opened.