Six spots for buskers to play music in public – mayor

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Nordin and Arifin (centre) with buskers after launching Api Api Night Gig on Friday night.

KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has designated six locations for buskers to play music in public.

They are Segama Waterfront, Taman Awam Teluk Likas, Kawasan Lapang Pasar Malam Kg Air, Tamu Jalan Gaya, Medan Selera Teluk Likas and Api Api Night Market.

Mayor Datuk Nordin Siman announced the locations at the launch of Api Api Night Gig, to kick start the 19th Kota Kinabalu City anniversary celebrations.

“Api Api Night Gig is a result of the KK City Talent Showcase held on January 26. To show support to local artists, DBKK selected a few locations dubbed ‘MY Buskers Corner,’ handled by the DBKK Research and Innovation Department.

“We hope this opportunity would be fully utilised by street performers as a career move in art, and at the same time liven up the atmosphere around the city which could also serve as an attraction for locals and tourists alike,” he said.

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister cum minister responsible to DBKK Arifin Asgali also expressed support for the initiative as he said it was a productive outlet for youths.

He said more efforts of a similar nature should be initiated for youths to explore their potential and develop their talents.

“A healthy lifestyle among youths is paramount in building a community. Thus, encouraging a healthy lifestyle should be done through programmes of interest to the particular group, such as this Night Gig. This is a good way to generate youth potential in various fields,” he said.

Arifin also commended the Api Api Night Gig for its potential to increase tourism products in the State as well as strengthen smart partnerships and relations between DBKK and the public at large, especially youths.

He reminded the public to support local buskers not only by watching their performances, but also contributing in the form of donations.

Busking is a source of income for some, hence donations could go a long way. This could also be seen as an avenue to reduce unemployment rate, Arifin added.