KUALA LUMPUR: The music has died for many entertainers and musicians in the country but thanks to the Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan), some of them have received financial aid to keep them going.
For guitarist Gerard Yong, the music took a downturn a year ago when the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the nation, forcing entertainment centres to shut down.
Yong soon found that he no longer had the means to earn his keep. It came to a point where he was forced to sell his electric guitars – the tools of his trade – one for as little as RM800 just to put food on the table. In all, he sold five guitars.
“It was a tough decision,” he told theSun.
Life was hard enough for the father of two even before the
Covid-19 pandemic. His wife suffers from systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissue. However, Yong did not give up and tried other avenues but was turned down.
“I tried everything but potential employers always told me they wanted someone younger,” said the 61-year-old.
Nonetheless, he has been able to find some joy in these difficult times.
“Now that there are no more gigs at clubs and pubs, I am able to spend time with my children. We would jam at home,” he said with optimism.
Yong was among 36 musicians who received part of RM30,000 in financial aid during an event held at Hard Rock Cafe on Sunday.
Vocalist Clair Rozells, another recipient, said she had to dip into her savings to make ends meet.
“We’ve worked hard to come to this level, only to find that we’ve come to nothing. It’s tough.”
But Rozells refused to wallow in self pity. The Penangite, banking on her love for food, started an online business called
Thebossybakerskitchen on Facebook, selling a Hong Kong dish known as the “Clumsy Chicken Congee”.
“It keeps me busy while I wait for restrictions to ease,” she said. The Facebook page has garnered more than 400 “Likes”.
Rozells said she has also been sharing her thoughts with others who are in the same predicament.
“Though I’m still worried about the rent, it feels good to know that I’m not alone,” she added.
Sally @ Nurhasline Mahamad agreed that the music industry has been hard hit. The Johor lass has been supplementing her income through her passion for sewing.
“I like to sew but after awhile, orders stopped coming in. I work as a cashier now.”
Karyawan club artiste division head Jude Singho hoped corporations would help support bands and soloists.
“We have spoken to the Malaysian Association of Hotels and hope we will gain their support in order to earn a living again.
“Almost 10,000 bands and soloists have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said, while thanking Hard Rock Cafe for sponsoring the venue for the event.
Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez said the Cultural Economy Development Agency, under the Finance Ministry, should take the lead by ensuring musicians are not left behind. “We are professionals. Let the music play on.”
