COVID-19 has definitely made some of us lose track of time. Especially if you’re part of the work-from-home gang.
So if you didn’t know, it’s already 19 August.
Which also means according to the Chinese calendar, Hungry Ghost Festival starts today.
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However, the pandemic being around also meant that those such as getai singers are going to have a hard time because public entertainment like performances aren’t allowed yet.
And to make it worse, it’s the start of Hungry Ghost Festival, typically one of the most lucrative times for a getai singer.
But hey, as many people will tell you, there’s always a backup plan.
Going Online
According to the Straits Times, said getai singers have now taken their performance routine online. Most of these are streamed via social media such as Facebook.
Shows are usually commissioned by temples or related associations but many have expressed less interest since the Circuit Breaker.
Instead, several of these getai singers have taken to selling products during their virtual shows in hopes of an extra dollar.
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Popular getai singer Lee Peifen mentioned that they don’t have much of a choice.
“The good thing is that it can help to keep getai going, in a way.”
Facing Difficulties
Getai singer Sherraine Law, 27, said that she had around 80 bookings last year. Now, however, she doesn’t even have confirmation for a single show.
She added that there isn’t a need to book her early since most singers have “free time now.”
Many private companies have partnered with these getai singers, hoping their fame and performances would boost their products’ sales as well.
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Even the likes of veteran getai host Marcus Chin, 66, has been selling health supplements and even fresh seafood on Facebook shows.
He does this around three times a week, stating, “You make the most of a bad situation.”
“It’s not easy to talk about a product for an hour. I also had to learn about live-stream sales tactics, such as organising online lucky draws and giving away free gifts with purchases.”
Lee also shares his sentiment, saying that this new venture is a challenge while she now only makes 35% of her previous amount.
“These online shows are hard truths. You can instantly see in the comments if the viewers think you’re doing a good job.”
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Others like host Liu Lingling, 55, have agreed to only do live-stream sales if she was in charge of the show.
She feels that she could then use the platform to rope in other singers and musicians as well.
“They need work and exposure too.”
While Liu hopes that things can go back to normal, she also acknowledges that they need to adapt to the situation too.
Here’s what NCMPs are, and what to expect after GE2025:
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