KUCHING: It is time for a wakeup call for the Chinese community to support their own talent especially those in the local music industry, said Chinese community leader and chairman of Red Production House Dato Wee Hong Seng.
Wee said that the Chinese community tended to give the cold shoulder on the matter and preferred what was foreign especially in arts and music.
He made the comment after the launching of the inaugural album by Slap a local Chinese group on Wednesday night at a local cafe in the city.
Slap comprises three local talented musicians and singers with stage names Jack, Edwin and Leslie.
“The Chinese community should change their perception and attitude and give these local talents the opportunity to shine in their own backward,” he said.
He added that only with their full support could these talents especially the young go further.
“We have talented people in the state and we have a few artistes that have made names for themselves internationally.”
Wee said the new talent must not be isolated, as it is not easy to get into the music industry.
“We should explore those who have talent so that they can pursue a singing career and shine in the industry.
“I know some parents who do not want their children to become singers,” commented Wee.
Parents must not be have a negative perception about singing but must change their mindset, recognising that there is money to be made from singing, he said.
He believed that singers could build a career in the industry and make a living from it.
“Parents would prefer their children to play musical instruments like the piano and violin as they believe their children will have a better future teaching music,” said Wee
Even so, Wee also pointed out that music is a healthy hobby especially for youngsters and one can make a career out of it
Wee suggested that the media play a role in exposing the talents found in the community but they must give a balanced report.
He also said that the continual search for talent and sponsors and the increase of public awareness would ensure a brighter future of the entertainment industry in the state.
Wee also believe that in order to get recognition by the local community, the musicians and singers must develop their own characteristic that would give them and edge to shine and be comparable to foreign artistes.
He also believed the state government must also assist these young talents to pursue their dreams.
Wee advised talented artists not to be lured by lucrative offers overseas but to try their level best to
stay put and create a base for themselves here in
state.
“Local singers and musicians who have made it should also help those who are struggling by providing professional guidance to help these talents also reach their goals,” he added.
Do not be a snob and think of highly of yourself because then you would not be able help others and the community, he advised successful artistes.
He urged the Chinese community to be proactive in supporting local singers and musicians and to invite local artist to any of their functions so that they could receive more publicity.
Wee also advised new artistes to fine-tune their act to suit their audience and to play their own songs.