Local musicians call for proper platform to develop

A PROPER platform for local aspiring music composers
and performers along with follow-through by

relevant authorities are needed if the country

intends to bring out and develop

hidden musical talents.

"It (performing) is okay as a hobby but I don't think

it will work out as a career," said local songwriter Matius,

who explained that a market in the country for local artists

to develop their talents do not exist.

The songwriter, who also choreographs his dance routines,
attributed this to the lack of a proper stage where aspiring

songwriters and performers can meet up to develop their talents.

"It would be great if some of the restaurants could organise or
hold 'open mic' nights where people can show up and showcase

their music," said the Form Five graduate from Belait's

Chung Hwa Middle School.

Matius also spoke of the need for authorities to follow-through
with local musicians who wins music competitions because

the development of a singing career does not end with the

completion of a competition.

"We need organisers to help take us to the next step,

maybe invite professionals to give us,not only vocal training,

but also other aspects of performing such as stage presence,

because we need to present 'a total package' to

attract more supporters.

"Ti Lai, a renovator in his mid-30s, raised similar

concerns on the lack of a proper stage for casual performances.

"We have a lot of Malay singing competitions or concerts,

but not as many for Chinese songs,we don't have

enough chances for exposure,"said Ti Lai who is

scheduled to perform in a "My Melody First Anniversary Mini Concert"
where the focus of the performances would be of

locally-composed Chinese songs.

"People need to take the next step, we have the talent

but most of us are discouraged either because we are shy

or because we think there is no future in singing,"

said the renovator, adding that the lack of a market
for local performers was also a major setback for the business.

Ti Lai said that it was essential for local musicians to

write their own music. "There is no point in singing other people's songs."

Another participant in the concert is 28-year-old Xiao Hui

who is hunting for a full-time job." We need more people

to support the local music scene," said Xiao Hui,

who emphasised the difficulties of fostering a

music career in the Sultanate.

"I think that people who are trying to survive

by music alone is naive and immature," she said,

adding that local performers lack the passion and

support needed to compete with foreign artists.

A "My Melody First Anniversary Mini Concert"

is scheduled to be held on February 28 at

Radio Television Brunei's (RTB) Dewan Raya.

"The concert is held for local Chinese composers,"

said Lai Boon Keiwe, the head of Mandarin broadcast for

RTB's Pilihan Network.

She explained that the concert will be the first of its kind,

where approximately 10 local Chinese song composers were

given an opportunity to perform realistically to the public."

It also gives these composers an opportunity to release

their old songs, which might have been written since

a few years back."She added that plans to hold similar concerts

have been suggested to cater to songs of other languages,
including Malay and English, as the lack of awareness

of the local music industry is felt not only by Chinese performers.

"It is a good stepping stone for them and we might organise

more of it in the future, depending on the response," said Lai.

"We have a lot of talented people, just no proper stage

or opportunity for them to perform."


P/s : Articles paste from The Brunei Times