Together with several homegrown artists, the Music Society of Singapore (SGMUSO) has put out a call for Singaporeans to come to the aid of music industry personnel who are still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an appeal video that was uploaded to SGMUSO's YouTube channel on 26 January, familiar names such as Taufik Batisah, Joanna Dong, Sheikh Haikel, Shabir, Haneri, The Freshman, as well as radio DJ and host Jean Danker remind struggling Singaporean music industry personnel that they are not alone and urge Singaporeans to help individuals who have fallen on hard times by donating to the Musician Support Fund (MSF).
An initiative by SGMUSO, a charity registered under the Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), the MSF hopes to raise S$150,000 in its first phase and a total of S$1 million by the end of 2021.
Donations will be used in four ways — to cover a beneficiary's daily essential living costs (Fund-a-Bill), to remunerate beneficiaries for playing livestream shows from home (Fund-a-Gig), to remunerate bands for performing livestream shows with the support of a production crew in a studio (Fund-a-Band), and to aid a beneficiary in pursuing upskilling opportunities (Fund-a-Skill).
MSF's funds will also be used to help those who require mental health and wellness support.
“We feel that musicians can learn new skills such as virtual productions, event management, new media technology and audio production for example. We like to encourage and support them to stay relevant during these extraordinary times," said Chairman of SGMUSO Mr Syaheed MSBI.
He added: "Mental health support is essential as well. The stress of not being able to pay a bill or rent is disheartening particularly if you have dependents to support. We therefore want to supplement financial assistance with mental health support."
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Mr Edwin Tong also appealed for Singaporeans to stand behind the music industry during this trying period.
Mr Tong said: “I call on everyone to lend your support to the Singapore arts scene. This is one way we can remain sustainable, so please support the community.”
Click here to make a donation.
