Singer/songwriter Herve Bongela

Occupation: CH3 band’s lead vocalist

Besides performing at Novotel Bangkok in Phloenchit each night of the week, Bongela’s career in the music industry was on a roll when he had to face the ramifications of Covid-19.

Married to a Thai, and with a young daughter, the Congolese artist found himself in the pit of mental anguish when it dawned on him that the pandemic had made him redundant.

“I believe a lot of us were caught off guard and were just not ready to face the ramifications of this virus. Besides looking after my family, I had to think of the well-being of my band members, who have their families in the Philippines and have also been impacted by Covid-19. It was a very surreal experience because, for one, everything was restricted. Not knowing when it would end only added to the desperation and anxiety.”

As an expat, he found that the Thai government did a good job in containing the virus and the relief schemes that were created for people like him were delivered. This gave him the confidence and hope that the situation would eventually improve.

In terms of state regulations for nightlife entertainment venues, he said that closing at midnight is probably one thing that should be urgently revised because musicians don’t immediately return home after each performance but stay on to mingle with guests. Due to this, he also believes that social distancing can create all sorts of problems.

“Most of us spend a good couple of hours networking with the audience after we complete our work at midnight. It would be more appropriate to go back to 2am given that Covid19 cases today are only found among people that are already in quarantine.”

“Also for me, I feel it would be nice to see the restriction on social distancing be less strict to enable performers and audience to interact better.’’