Malaysian singers perform nightly live-stream shows on Facebook

Homegrown musician Brian Dourado encourages Malaysians to stay safe during the movement control order period. Photo: Brian Dourado

Many music lovers can't go out to watch performances by their favourite homegrown acts due to Malaysia's movement control order (MCO). But don't fret folks.

To keep music lovers entertained, the Musicians For Musicians Malaysia (MFMM) association has started to live-stream performances by local talents on its Facebook page at 8.30pm daily. (Facebook: Musicians For Musicians Malaysia)

Themed "Isolation Music", the live-streaming started on March 16 and will end on April 14, when the MCO is lifted.

Ahmad Lokman a.k.a. Lord is set to entertain Malaysians during the MCO period on Musicians For Musicians' Facebook page. Photo: Ahmad Lokman

MFMM deputy president Edwin Nathaniel, 61, says the purpose of the live-streaming is to keep people entertained while staying safe at home.

"Normally people would go out at night to listen to these musicians perform at different venues. But due to the MCO, everyone needs to remain safe at home.

"Hopefully, it serves as a reminder to people not to go out, and as our Prime Minister said, 'Duduk di rumah'.

"While the front liners are doing their part to keep the country safe, this is our little way of thanking them and supporting their efforts," explains Nathaniel, who is a member of award-winning band, Aseana Percussion Unit.

Sure, we can't go out during the movement control period. But homegrown entertainers like Scratchman John will be having a live-streaming performance on Musicians For Musicians Malaysia's Facebook page. Photo: Scratchman John

Four performers go on live-streaming daily. They perform popular cover songs from different eras, spanning from the 1960s to current hits.

"We've got acts like jazz singers Eddie Zachariah and Brenda Lee to the rock 'n' roll style of Brian Dourado. There are also Ronnie Felix, Scratchman John, Ahmad Lokman a.k.a. Lord, husband-and-wife team, Zack, and Lyia. In total, we have about 15 different acts that rotate in our daily live-streaming. We are looking to add more musicians in weeks to come."

Each act performs one set, which lasts for about 30 minutes, Nathaniel adds.

"Time will fly past when you're listening to them, and next thing you know, it's time for bed. The idea is to keep listeners entertained and occupied at night.

"So far, we've reached over 100,000 views on Facebook, and we are growing steadily every day."

MFMM or Persatuan Pemuzik Tempatan Malaysia is an association comprising professionals to assist local musicians in need. There are about 100 musicians in the association. A large number of them are musicians from the 1970s and 1980s.

MFMM's Benefit Concert, which was scheduled to be held on March 15 at Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Nathaniel says.

"The association decided to postpone the benefit concert to a later date when it would be safer for everyone. However, some people were hoping to listen to some of their favourite acts, and with Isolation Music, we hope this would suffice for now."

To watch the nightly shows, go to Musicians For Musicians' Facebook Page.