The level 4 lockdown restrictions (lifted on Sunday) dented any hopes musicians had of finally starting to perform again.

With the Biltongfees cancelled (or postponed) for the second year running, a scaled-down Dundee July scheduled for August, and bars and restaurants closed (up until Monday), musicians have not been able to earn an income from live performances. Local recording duo ‘Inner Secrets’, who recently performed to an appreciative audience at Melo’s Pub & Grill in Newcastle, are one of the bands who must now seek other avenues to earn a living.

The band, consisting of Mo Karim and Lesley Wentzel, has already had to endure a loss of personnel, most notably the tragic death of vocalist Alberto Griffiths in 2017. “With the Melo’s gig, it was a chance to showcase ourselves as a duo. There were also plans to appear at a music festival in Newcastle at the end of July.

Sadly, all this has had to be curtailed for now,” said Mo. The band hopes that the easing of lockdown will give musicians a much-needed outlet to perform and earn.

So it was with much excitement that Mo and Leslie were asked to give a ‘live interview’ at Dundee’s own community radio station, Neutral Stereo FM, last Saturday morning with station manager Jonathan Griffiths and Mtho Mlambo. “It was a chance to give a bit of background to listeners on how far we have come since 2001 and how we have managed to overcome tragedy and disappointments, and now the lockdown,” said Mo. Jonathan and Mtho said that the ‘Inner Secrets’ interview was the station’s first live interview. “We love to give our local talent a platform to shine, especially during these hard times,” said Jonathan. Remember, you can tune in to Neutral Stereo FM on their website, nsfm.radiostream123.com

Want an exciting career in radio? Our own Neutral Stereo FM is looking for radio presenters and producers who are looking to gain or further their radio training and/or experience.

For further details contact radionsfm@gmail.com  

 HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za.  Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.