THE TERRIBLE NEW NORM OF ABANDONED ENTERTAINERS

The nightmare causes the entertainers to slip into another horrific dream until their exhausted bodies rise struggling to breathe within the darkness they face. It is the 140th day since the beginning of a massive lockdown caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 coronavirus. Their futures remain locked in agony.

Their rockstar ego was fierce enough to prevent tears, yet the hurt burns a wildfire as they face the prospect of having to sell a part of themselves; the equipment and tools which are their faithful partners in trade. Yet, the painful selling will provide temporary relief for their families.

The sight of an empty stage and its silence have much stories to share for us (image by Zomato)

For entertainers – especially DJs and musicians – their main employers are pubs and clubs. After almost five months and with no end in sight, these outlets continue to be closed and the impact is felt by most live music performers in Malaysia who have not been able to perform and entertain.

With no income to treat regular expenses, that affect even their basic needs such as housing, a lot of them have tried to get into other businesses, such as food and music equipment. While a small percentage have privilege to be able to run these trades, others are left suffering.

Entertainers are left fending for their own. One group appeared on a quest to get locations for musicians to sell items such as food, while busking. Others are seeking discussions with the relevant senior government officials. Some taking action into their own hands by getting F&B outlets to start performances.

BRADA, who pride themselves as a social commitment and endeavor to assist needful communities, initiated the Malaysian Musicians Food Bazaar, an offering until the situation for musicians improve.

Smaller entertainment communities such as DJs are left out of most discussions, and their voices barely heard even though they are some of the most affected, and are almost completely ignored in any discussions about entertainers. Little is mentioned about their fate and how they are coping with this pandemic.

Where can entertainers voice out about their predicament? FINAS? Ministry of Tourism? None of the entertainers groups are sure. Questions are bounced. Even an NGO that was supposed to address the lack of official channels to the government for the past twenty years says Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (maybe).

A petition launched by live music performance great Vishnu Shakthi was unheard by relevant ministers

Petitions, articles, even letters have surfaced with high hopes to gain attention of whoever from the government about the plight of entertainers. However, they are met with, at best, short occasional comments and nothing else. It seems in the eyes of this government, entertainers are too insignificant to inspire action.

It is not helped by the environment of ignorance. Side A, senior members of the government who have little ideas how the live entertainment music industry works versus Side B, many entertainers who have little knowledge about infectious diseases. Both parties end up talking to themselves or their own groups.

The later result? The relevant authorities allow “indoor busking” but with SOPs that are lightly set-up and musicians are perplexed with the details. The application of the SOPs is troublesome as it can stifle expressive freedom for many, leading to some musicians crying foul and claiming theoretical conspiracy against them.

Another larger problem is the stigma overshadowing buskers due to its likeness to begging and the language used by authorities who sanction them. Many of the musicians and singers are established, who have worked with Malaysian greats. To have them perform for miserly tips may be too big an ask.

As for DJs, due to their association with clubs, almost all of them have been totally jobless as long as the outlets continue to be closed. Even those who supply audio visual equipment are hit as there are no shows to supply their sets to. Let alone a mall event.

What more with other entertainment centres like karaokes, cinemas, even performing arts centres open again; while the complexity of dealing with Covid-19 with entertainment involving an audience is understandable, the lack of effort by anyone within Malaysian government to at least try to formulate a plan for entertainers is baffling.

Innovative DJs Put Music Online As Virus Shuts Clubs via Free Malaysia Today

Many entertainers, even notable ones, are currently plugging online performances to keep their names relevant. Some have even resorted to performing daily for hours to ask friends and fans for tips, which are often very little. Options and choices to keep afloat are becoming less as the months go by.

It is certainly time for the relevant authorities to sit down and have a serious long discussion with the entertainer’s groups. Not a Q&A seeking replies or a brief meeting, but a real talk that will offer solutions to a growing crisis without end, that is needed for all entertainers.

GEMPAK OKU - THE UNCONSTRAINED ADVENTURES OF ONE DJ CROSS

Everybody always says that everyone has problems. But few would sit back, and reflect, on how life’s problems can vary between individuals. For many, they are facing the unthinkable. For some, the impact is severe when it involves the sudden loss of a limb. How do one cope with that?

Well, for one individual, it is no bother. The gentleman who hails from Silibin, Ipoh, rose up to the challenge and slowly grown within him a wealth of experience to share on how life can still be beautiful in spite of the trauma of losing a leg he once had.

DJ Cross was once Thomas Alvin Cross. He was the common joe excelling in the hotel line. Graduating from Stamford College, He was working in hotel management in a few roles in Singapore, namely for Pine-tree Club, Oriental Hotel. Until a sudden car accident caused critical damage to his leg.

This was in the mid-90s, where he climbed back with a great purpose, and after training with his guru DJ Apache, he was a regular music expresser at clubs and bars such as Iguana, Ronnie Q, Finnegans and Waikiki. Talented and enthusiastic, the finest oyster was about to open wide.

Then as years go by, tragedy struck in 2010. His leg was facing complications. It has to be amputated. As a human being, it means he can no longer be mobile and free. Being a hardcore football fan, he cannot run about the ball. His whole life was wrecked.

He was shattered. In the ensuing months, he lost all hope. Flushed with anxiety attacks and clinical depression, it took a whole year for him to decide what the hell he wants from his life, now that he is an amputee. Everything he wants and could have been, was taken away.

Many would take years to recover, but for DJ Cross, he knows he has to make the best of life. It took all his effort to improving his movement with his crutches, getting used to crawling up the stairs, small steps he needed to take for greater things to come.

By 2011, he has learnt to adapt to the situation. From there, his belief in himself increased. He recognizes his need to get back what he has lost and improve his quality of life. His first quest, was to find back the ability to sustain himself and be independent again.

With the advent of Grab e-hailing in 2012, he dived in as one of the first OKU drivers in the industry. And with his connections, he managed to continue some of his gigs as a DJ, spinning for Waikiki again, and in later years, Rock Bottom at Desa Park City.

From there, life was blossoming again. He decided to go the extra mile – why not do the things people think they are not able to? What started out as an amateur project called Lepak OKU, has now grown into a full YouTube channel, Gempak OKU, where his growth was documented.

Among his adventures include car reviews, and music band sessions, to his Grab adventure detailing even application processes, in addition to that the small steps of his travels around Malaysia. He also reviewed some fantastic food in today’s market, and reported on the rare sighting of an unidentified flying object!

The YouTube channel sharing his growth to a better life has now passed one thousand followers and growing. His rising reputation has also seen him recently driving the Volvo XC40. Yet, as he encourages himself, he hopes to inspire other people who are disabled, to simply, move forward in life.

The need for growth is something we often take for granted as we go about the inane and the mundane. Especially in our darkest and most painful moments. We need to rise against the storm life brings. And we are thankful to have another individual now leading the way up.

Explore the adventures of DJ Cross at Gempak OKU, as we unravel in the quest for a better life lived whatever the circumstances. In a time where there the world can be a difficult place to maneuver, the passion and drive will help us make our tomorrows a special one.

THE SHOW NOW GOES ON – KLPAC’S YESTERDAY ONCE MORE

It has been a long time coming. With the Covid-19 outbreak, the silence of the performing arts scene has been painful. However, as the pandemic is under control, we are pleased to know that KLPAC will rise again, with its first show, a musical tribute, in more than four months.

The hugely sold-out successful Yesterday Once More returns with its third edition, embarking on the expressions of musical memories from the 40s to the 60s. Relive the melodies that encapsulate a mesmerizing generation, featuring the acclaimed songs from Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, Dean Martin, Judy Garland & many more.

Masterfully directed by KLPAC’s own Ian Chow, the live music performance will feature the fantastic vocals of Joel Wong, Lai Suk Yin, Omar Ali, Rachel Liu, Serene Chng and Vale V Wong, and they will be backed by a ferociously talented five-piece band managed by the classy pianist, Jing Xiuan.

Yesterday Once More 3 shall be on from the 22d of July (Wednesday) to the 26 of July (Sunday). It is part of KLPAC’s efforts to rescue the arts, having lost revenues amounting to more than a million ringgit. It is time for performance arts lovers to unite behind them.

For this performance, Pentas 2 of KLPAC will be transformed into a magnificent lounge with a mix of table seating for four (4) and single chair seats. Yesterday One More 3 is now part of the monthly Cabaret Series from July to October as part of KLPAC's Covid-19 Relief Fundraiser.

Details of the performance is as follows:

Preview Wednesday [22nd July @ 8.30pm] & Saturday Matinee [25th July @ 3.00pm]

Tickets:

RM 68 flat (no drink)

Thursday to Saturday Night [23rd – 25th July 8.30pm] and Final Show [26th July 3.00pm]

Tickets:

RM480 (Table of four (4) pax) including 1 bottle of wine or 4 soft drinks / mineral water

RM88 (Single Seat) with one (1) welcome drink

Following the directive from the National Security Council of Malaysia, only those of ages between 13 and 60 are allowed to attend the performance. Take a moment to go through the full SOP.

It takes time to go through it, but it is for everyone’s safety, including yours. Let us enjoy the show, and be merrily safe. More information is provided on the links below. Have a wonderful time at KLPAC once more!

TICKETS!

Check out BarangBest @ KLPAC.

Full Press Release.

You are encouraged to purchase the tickets online. However, if it is inconvenient, do walk to KLPAC’s Box Office, call +603-40479000 (KLPAC), or head to ProTicket outlets nearest to you.

KIPM - KELAB INDUSTRI PENGHIBUR MALAYSIA (MALAYSIAN ENTERTAINERS INDUSTRY CLUB)

Malaysia’s first inclusive club for everyone involved in the entertainment industry – emcee, musician, singers, clowns, dancers and magicians, amateur disk jockeys and many other entertaining talents – is getting into frontiers largely ignored within the industry, to offer valuable assistance and information that will bring positives into the lives of entertainers today and secure their livelihood conditions tomorrow.

It started with some disk jockeys and emcee's having a normal talk. That simple. The topic was the often mentioned matters and issues of the entertainment scene that have been parroted around to death, yet nobody nor groups are taking a better stand to do something. It was a time to reflect.

The key problems, the lackadaisical behaviours from entertainment groups, the casual attitudes of the members of the entertainment industry, and entertainment glory hunters stalking around, have left a population of entertainers unsettled with their professions, unfulfilled with their payments and unprepared for any eventuality that life could bring to them.

These talented entertainers may have the expertise and experience to perform. However, many of them do not realize they need to make a sustainable income out of it. Coupled with poor lifestyle choices, they are without access to information about insurances, taxes and savings, along with health planning, wealth planning and retirement planning; all that will impact their lives.

KIPM meets
with Dato' Sri Dr, Mohammed Azman B Dato' Aziz Mohammed,
Ketua Pengarah Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO)

They have been undercut by others, and underpaid by clients. KIPM makes this simple argument; every entertainer has their price that is fair and justifiable by many. If one were to make purchases like for example, at BMW, are we going to bargain to pay less than the actual value?

Recognizing these problems and eager to readdress them, the small group of established entertainers came together to form this club, registered, transparent, committed, with a constitution, that will help eradicate ignorance of the sustenance of life, protect the value of entertainers, and assist those who fall into stone hard times.

Kelab Industri Penghibur Malaysia is now in action, doing their best to change mind sets among entertainers and their clients. Among well-known people in KIPM include A Radha Krishnan. KIPM has plans to make approaches for sponsorships from audio visual equipment brands such as Nexo, Turbosound, RCF, Midas, Sennheiser, Shure, Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon, Rane, DW, Tama, Sonor, Marshall, Ibanez, Fender, Hartke and many other related brands which the Malaysian entertainers has been supporting for about 5 decades or more now.

They are relatively new. They aim to crash the cycle affecting entertainers.

Mugunathan Balakrishnan aka DJ Masterbase,
getting much support from KIPM

KIPM have created ripples that we see can cause changes, starting with initiatives for healthcare, intending to get medical treatments, such as dialysis, to be covered for entertainers who are under certain health issues, with charity events and donation drives. They are opening food delivery e-commerce channels for entertainers with lesser income to sell home cooked meals to sustain.

KIPM wishes to redirect and enhance entertainers’ way of life, and to be different from how other similar organizations have been run. They are ever determined to be effective, to have a club legacy that carries on. We have good hope. As often said, the future, is in good hands.

Klang Valley Life! would like to thank the committee members of Kelab Industri Penghibur Malaysia or KIPM for the fantastic sharing:

DJ Cross (Gempak OKU)

Jelly (Jelly & Friends Entertainment)

VP David Anthony (Avenue Big Daddy Events)

There is no doubt they will be a prominent presence soon.

If you are an entertainer, you are most welcome to join Kelab Industri Penghibur Malaysia or Malaysian Entertainers Industry Club. Please visit and like KIPM’s Facebook page. If you wish to request further information, do drop them an email.

RED PENGUIN TTDI: Fantastic Fusion Flavour Food Feast

We demand that great fusion restaurant in the Klang Valley. We need a remarkable dining experience that is considered amongst the best. We want it with choices to safely dine in, take away, or to order them online? We often question these. Red Penguin TTDI can provide the perfect answer.

Red Penguin TTDI offers fantastic fusion food, and fast rising to great heights as one of the best restaurants in the Klang Valley. Receiving much adoration for their yummy meals from fans and critics alike, Red Penguin has created a culinary ideology that pleases the eye and pleasures the soul.

Red Penguin TTDI is a fusion restaurant bound for greatness.

They serve a truly tantalizing selection of Kashmri Briyanis, Maharaja Burgers, Western Fusions, Wraps ‘A Doos, Pastas and Asian Delights. Within the segments in the menu, you certainly must try their Maharaja Beef Burger with Charcoal Bun and Tiger Prawns Kashmri Briyani, just to name a couple from their specials.

They are particular of their food quality and service, which guarantees that even delivered meals ordered online maintain their awesomeness. This rare gem of a restaurant has return guests wanting more, who often shares the good word to their friends; a testament of a restaurant coming good with food pleasures.

Red Penguin TTDI is officially open at full operations, and have received deserved acclaim for their food. And yes, they are quite affordable. As we take the journey around Klang Valley with stories of business and entertainment, celebrate your life with smart meals that makes your makan experience truly wonderful.

If you want to dine in, Red Penguin is available from 11am to 3pm, then 5pm to 9pm, every day. Make your reservations at +60126385419 to get the RP experience.

To view the menu and order online, go to: https://app.theother.kitchen/redpenguinttdi/

For more enquiries, message Red Penguin at +6018 222 2898.

Like the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/redpenguin88a/, also check out the handles @redpenguin88a and #redpenguin88a on Instagram and other social media searches.