Malaysia

Govt should aid artistes, but not a single sen given, says singer

Many in entertainment industry have lost source of income due to Covid-19, but Putrajaya turns blind eye to their troubles

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 12 Feb 2021 10:00AM

Govt should aid artistes, but not a single sen given, says singer
Darkkey Rajah, the lead singer of Indian rock band Darkkey and the Keys, says he owes his success not to the government, but his fans. – File pic, February 12, 2021

by Arjun Mohanakrishnan

KUALA LUMPUR – Darkkey Rajah, the lead singer of Indian rock band Darkkey and the Keys, has called on the government to provide more assistance to artistes facing hard times due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite the outbreak, Darkkey said he is grateful to be doing well, and is focusing on making more songs to be uploaded to YouTube.

The vocalist does not attribute his success to the government, but instead, fans’ support.

“For me, the government didn’t help much. It is the fans who have helped me. I made it because of them.

“The government does help when there is an election, and they hire us to perform. We will work and get paid,” he told The Vibes.

The community is helping one another out by providing necessities to the needy amid the pandemic, he said.

“The government, they didn’t give even one sen.”

He said many artistes are now facing a tough time as their income depends on them performing.

“The government should help these artistes by giving them cash assistance, so that they can pay rent and put food on the table.”

Darkkey’s call for aid to be given to artistes is not new.

A petition by film industry players was launched in recent days, calling for the resignation of National Film Development Corporation Malaysia chief executive Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri over his failure to look after the welfare of those working in the sector. – The Vibes, February 12, 2021

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