CENDANA joins forces with Grab for #LiveKatRumah initiative to support over 80 local artistes and show crew affected by the pandemic

As part of a unified effort to support the creative arts and music industry, Malaysia’s Cultural Economy Development Agency (CENDANA), has announced its participation in Grab’s #LiveKatRumah initiative to provide earning opportunities for artists and cultural workers. Due to movement restrictions, many physical art and music events and engagements were canceled which impacted them. In a further effort to help local artists who have been affected by the pandemic, CENDANA’s partnership will contribute directly to the remuneration of the artists and crew members. 

After a short hiatus in compliance with the Movement Control Order, the #LiveKatRumah free virtual shows are now back to provide Malaysians with a platform to enjoy the amazing talent from local entertainers while supporting them. Prior to the Movement Control Order this year, the shows garnered almost 15,000 viewers nationwide. And to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the production of the upcoming shows, the team is following the SOPs released for the creative industry which includes getting all crew members and performers tested for COVID-19. 

Streamed live on the Grab Malaysia Facebook page, #LiveKatRumah, which is supported by KFC Malaysia, myNEWS and Tropicana, is a twice-a-week virtual concert series Malaysians can enjoy from anywhere across the country for FREE, which showcases some of Malaysia’s talented performers ranging from R&B, Pop, Soul, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Rock singers and bands, to even comedians and magicians. This is to enable Malaysians to enjoy the variety of performances they wouldn’t normally have the chance to and appreciate the amazing talents overflowing in Malaysia, all from the comforts of their homes. 

“Our recent report showed that 93% of Malaysian artists and cultural workers had been negatively impacted by COVID-19, with 70% having lost all or most of their income. Threatened with devastation by the effects of the pandemic, we strive to help protect jobs and create opportunities for many part-time and freelance workers in the arts and culture sector via the Budget 2021 allocation for the arts. The arts have helped many Malaysians wellbeing through this isolation and are essential in our daily lives. Therefore, we welcome, and are grateful for this collaboration with Grab on #LiveKatRumah; that will also see CENDANA’s beneficiaries like Crinkle Cut, Tay Cher Siang of the WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble, Alien Lien Lipstick Fire and Clinton Jerome Chia perform,” said Izan Satrina Mohd Sallehuddin, Founding CEO, CENDANA.

Sharing the inspiration behind the #LiveKatRumah initiative, Hassan Alsagoff, Country Marketing Head, Grab Malaysia said “We came up with #LiveKatRumah after being moved by the struggles of friends in the performing arts industry during the MCO and we’re encouraged by the feedback we’ve received so far. As a Malaysian homegrown platform, we welcome CENDANA’s support in joining our efforts to deliver quality live music and performances from our local entertainers straight into the homes of Malaysians during this challenging time, while also lending a helping hand in providing earning opportunities for these entertainers.”

In this challenging time, we believe that everyone in Malaysia has a part to play, to support one another regardless of background, affiliation or industry. Hence Malaysians are encouraged to contribute to the Tabung #LiveKatRumah via GrabPay, where all proceeds will go directly to the Headliners and production crew members. There are no donation limits, however, donations of RM5 and above will receive a KFC or myNEWS voucher.

With headliners such as The Frankie Sixes, Rainbow Children, Dasha Logan, Nadir and more, there will definitely be something for everyone! Look out for a special appearance from WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble in support of the initiative. Here are what some of them had to say on the initiative: 

Elvira Arul:

“The pandemic has hit other artists and I in ways that we have never experienced before and some rice bowls were hit harder than others. I am so grateful to Grab for bringing our shows directly to you via #LiveKatRumah from the comfort of your homes.”

The Frankie Sixes:
“For live performers like us, COVID-19 has made life hard for us especially to our growth and income so we are really thankful to Grab for their #LiveKatRumah initiative where all the proceeds go to the performers, headliners and crew. We are excited to perform for you together with all the musicians and performers from the comfort of your home to keep the live scene going.” 

For more information on the #LiveKatRumah performance lineup and promotions from KFC Malaysia on GrabFood and myNEWS on GrabMart, please click HERE.