CENDANA Collaborates with Musicians for Musicians Malaysia to Support 490 Local Musicians

BASKL is Bandar Aktiviti Seni Kuala Lumpur, an online space created by the Cultural Economy Development Agency, or CENDANA (a unit of MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd), to contribute in nurturing the city’s arts and culture ecosystem, and encourage locals and visitors alike to learn more about and savour the melting pot of art, music, craft and performing arts that pervades this beautiful city and beyond. BASKL can be accessed by visiting www.baskl.com.my

Through curated content, visitors can explore what’s happening in KL and beyond, as well as discover stories, videos, and podcasts which place the spotlight on Malaysia and its incredible stable of artists, artisans, and cultural workers.  

During the launch of the BASKL website via CENDANA’s Facebook Livestream that kicked off approximately at 8.30 pm, the Founding CEO of CENDANA, Izan Satrina Mohd Sallehuddin said, “Since CENDANA’s inception in September 2017, the independent music sector has risen sharply to become the second-highest sector for us. Given the increased demand, CENDANA hopes to strengthen its role in supporting the development of the independent music scene across Malaysia. The broad-ranging efforts come in many forms whether it is professional development, funding programmes, networking opportunities, and more. Today, we are delighted to have an equally important effort reintroduced to drive awareness of the arts and culture sector, including the music industry via the BASKL website.” 

Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Mentek the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) underscored the Ministry’s continued support for the music industry, “This (BASKL) is good ecosystem support as the music industry has provided jobs for up to 83,000 Malaysians and every ringgit spent in the music industry generates around RM2.20 of output for the Malaysian economy. Based on this and many other social aspects, the music industry is an industry that KKMM hopes to grow further via the establishment of Perbadanan Muzik and the implementation of a variety of programmes under the Malaysian Creative Industries Stimulus Package (PRISMA).”

When congratulating the launch of the BASKL website, the Chairman of MyCreative Ventures Sdn. Bhd.; Noor Azmi Mat Said added that BASKL is part of the Group’s Orange Economy Initiative and will help the Music Industry transition out of the challenges imposed by the pandemic.

“We also welcome the announcement by YAB Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin through the National Recovery Plan: PKP Phase Transition In Stages which provides some important information to help the creative industry practitioners and businesses make plans. Certainly, with vigorous vaccination efforts, the music sector can be opened in stages soon. For now, as everyone knows, only live streaming from home is allowed.” he added.

With the BASKL launch coinciding with World Music Day, the Livestream included pre-recorded from home performances from Musicians for Musicians Malaysia (MFM)’s musicians, namely, Kudin Ramly, Mizan & Kyra, Don & Angela, MDT Family Band, and Brian Dourado. MFM is an association with the mission to help musicians who have lost their source of income since March 2020 when the lockdown (MCO) was first implemented.

Edwin Nathaniel, the Vice President of MFM mentioned that “It has been a tough ride for us and the whole music industry during the pandemic. We are trying to keep the scene alive by doing our part in pulling musicians together daily to perform online and live streamed to the wider public. The musicians get to earn their keep, which is important to us.” He added that “The collaboration with CENDANA to feature the 10 MFM musicians for the BASKL website launch was truly special. We are grateful as the partnership with CENDANA will see 490 musicians supported till the end of the year.”

In the spirit of the BASKL website launch and World Music Day, BASKL will feature articles to celebrate Malaysian artists in the music scene in addition to a special curation of the Malaysian music Spotify playlist. Furthermore, a photography contest referred to as the “KLik” contest was rolled out. KLik is a monthly photography contest held by BASKL featuring different themes. The theme for the first contest is “Lagu Dalam Gambar” where Malaysians are invited to take a picture that reminds the wider public of a Malaysian song. 10 lucky winners will be selected every month to win cash prizes. The contest will start on 29 June 2021 and further details can be found on the BASKL website.

BASKL will open up opportunities for organisers of online and physical art activities (expiration time during PKP), space owners and art associations, art writers, and the general public for their art activities to be promoted via this platform. Writers, photographers, and videographers are aggressively being sought out to introduce an exciting array of content for the wider public. Collaborations with other stakeholders are also most welcomed. 

“Music amongst other arts sectors provides jobs for many Malaysians nationwide. Let’s not forget that it is beyond entertainment. Music remains to be critical for many to escape to during the pandemic and heal,” Izan commented.