KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications and Multimedia Ministry has allocated RM6 million to 960 musicians under the Entertainment From Home Programme 2021.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said that the money from the Digital Content Fund For Music would be used to produce creative content as part of the programme which involves recording artistes, musicians and singers from clubs, and street musicians.
The programme is part of the government's Malaysian Creative Industry Stimulus Package (Prisma) 2021.
In an online press conference yesterday, Saifuddin said that the allocation was the biggest for Malaysian musicians to date.
"The Digital Content Fund For Music was created under Prisma last Feb 5, to help members of the creative industry affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. It involves 960 musicians around the country," he said.
Saifuddin added that his ministry had appointed musicians and academicians as members of an artiste selection, approval and technical evaluation committee which determined individuals who needed help.
To date, 119 entertainment companies have made applications to the ministry, and more than 3,600 musicians have registered.
"All applications are scrutinised by the committee, and 12 companies have had their applications approved. The 29 panel members include established artistes and music producers.
"Artistes whose applications are not successful can still re-apply later," said Saifuddin.
Saifuddin hoped that the Entertainment From Home Programme would produce works of good quality, and provide job opportunities for artistes.
The programme will produce 192 music videos which will be screened on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and social media platforms.
The participating artistes include Datuk Nash, Ito of Blues Gang, Francissca Peter, Atilia Haron and Munif of the nasyid group Hijjaz.
A total of 487 singers, 172 guitarists, 104 bass guitarists, 93 drummers, 80 keyboardists, and 24 from other categories will benefit from the Digital Content Fund For Music.
Each artiste is paid RM5,000 based on their performances.