Recently, I was approached by operators of some prominent entertainment outlets to provide talents such as, acoustic bands, show-bands, DJs and dancers. Initially, I was quite flattered that my experience and services got their attention. However, after a couple of meetings and understanding their concept, preferences and ideas........ I kinda lost some respect and interest in project. Unfortunately, part of me is telling me to accept the project as it will elevate my accolades. Seriously......... I'm not sure.

Here's why.......

These so-called big players of the entertainment/hospitality industry are either racists or have a shallow understanding of themselves. I would love to explain my claims but I'd rather let you, the readers decide for yourself.

One of the reasons why I said that was, in one of the meetings, they bluntly told me that they only want talents who are non-Malays...... only local non-Malays. Specifically the bands, DJs and dancers...... NO MALAY PLEASE. And the reason is........ Malay bands and Malay DJs will attract Malay customers.

Seriously, I beg to differ.

Shaggies is a local band who has been around for 20yrs. More than 50% of their fans/followers are non-Malays. How about ENERGY? CatzIntheCradle...?? Apart from that, there are also many Malay acoustic bands who entertains at places that frequent by only non-Malays (by choice). In fact, just look at Timbre. Widely known as a 'live' venue, attended by majority of non-Malays. All because of the quality of music, service, sound and friendly staff. Half of their talents are actually Malays.

The things is...... not that I can't find any non-Malay talents. I do have some contacts. But the main problem is, the establishments that I'm servicing would only provide minimal budget. Locally, most of the roving bands, who are Malay or some members who are Malay, willingly accepts low fees. However, the non-Malay talents demand higher fees. The explanation to this theory is based on the following equation......

high demand x less choice = high price
lesser demand x choices = nominal fee

Truthfully, this is not about Malay or non-Malay talents. This is more of these operators asking for all the top grade talents but wanna pay only cents. Where is the respect for these talents. Apart from that, these operators are quick to forget the services of these talents who have helped in their business. Once the outlets or establishment gain success, they'll jump to the next partner who is willing to share some bucks.

Sad but true...... and because I'm standing in between, all I can do is move on and breathe in the next air that passes by.