Kotai singers sing online to stay alive
Going virtual may be the only way for some to survive the new normal
GEORGE TOWN: Kotai – stage shows in Hokkien – are suffering a big blow with the cancellation of dinners, public events and also the Phor Thor (Hungry Ghost Festival) celebration next month because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many kotai singers have taken to digital music platforms to secure some income during this period.
Troupe manager Lim Poh Chye, 52, said he had gathered all the singers under his wing to perform online, with their performances streamed live via Facebook and YouTube every Tuesday and Friday since March.
He said their livelihood had been affected since the movement control order (MCO) came into force in March.
“We decided to go online and entertain our audience through Facebook live and YouTube.
“The brands of our sponsors are incorporated into the backdrop and featured on our mics during our performance.
“That’s how we generate income. At least there is something for us.
“The audience can leave their comments during the online sessions and we can interact with them.
“We managed to attract 40,000 viewers on certain days,” he added.
It was earlier reported that more than 400 places around Penang that usually hold Phor Thor celebrations are expected to stand down amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Penang Teong Guan Association chairman Heng Yak Hoi, various committees had decided not to conduct prayers in public areas to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Lim said all of them had always looked forward to the seventh lunar month as it was a time when they could make lots of public appearances and take home good money.
“There are around 70 shows throughout the month-long celebration.
“But due to the pandemic, the
Phor Thor events were cancelled and we do not have any reservations yet,” he said.
“Besides Hungry Ghost Festival, we also perform at Chinese temples that celebrate deities’ birthday.
“But during the MCO, it’s practically zero income for most of us,” he added.
Meanwhile, stage performer Angeline Lim Xin Yi, 22, foresees a drop in business activities over the next few months.
A freelance singer of six years, she said Phor Thor was a time when she could earn between RM800 and RM1,000 per night.
“Now that many celebrations were cancelled over the past few months, my monthly income has dropped by at least 75%,” Angeline said.
She said she would be more cautious while performing online as parents might watch their performances with their children.
“When we perform live in front of a huge crowd, the songs that we sing are mostly requested by our guests.
“However, when we perform online, we usually sing songs that the general public is familiar with,” Angeline said.
According to Chinese beliefs, the spirits enjoy a month-long “vacation” in the human world when the gates of hell open during the seventh lunar month.
It is an age-old tradition to have Chinese opera performances, puppet shows and kotai to entertain the community and wandering spirits during the annual festival, which is called Yu Lan in Mandarin.
This is to ensure a peaceful and prosperous year.