Folk singers, musicians struggle to make ends meet

Manav Mander
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, June 12

The music industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and lockdown. Singers, musicians and performing artists all are facing a tough time as restrictions on social gatherings and functions have directly affected their livelihood.

Suresh Yamla Jatt, nephew of legendary folk singer Yamla Jatt, said artists are without work since the pandemic began. “We understand lockdown is necessary but under such circumstances, the government should announce some compensation for the artists,” he said.

He further added, “Singing is in my blood. I can’t do any other work. I am using all my savings in this difficult time but it would not continue like this for long.” Either the government should announce some relief package or allow artists to work, he said.

Balwinder Tara, an expert alghoza (paired woodwind instrument) player, who has also worked for famous film like Singh is Kinng and Jab We Met is struggling to make ends meet.

“I am an expert alghoza player. Toombis made by me are famous among folk singers such as Manmohan Waris and late Sardool Sikander. Now, as schools, colleges and universities are shut and no functions are being held I am out of work,” he shares.

“I have tie up with various dance groups like Malwai giddha group, bhangra group etc. for whom I play alghoza and educational institutes also call me whenever there is any cultural function,” he said.

Rakesh Jogi, a drummer, who used to perform in foreign countries and was part of various folk dance groups is now living on his savings. He has his own Punjabi Dhol Group and was regularly called by various universities, schools and colleges across the state during their cultural events.

“We are doing this work from generations and don’t have any other skill. I have a family to support and till now I am running the household with whatever savings are left with me,” said Jogi.

Sonu, a folk entertainer, is also facing the heat of the lockdown. His family consists of 14 members and there is no consistent source of income. “We go to take ‘vadhai’ whenever we come to know about any marriage being solemnised in the area near us. Earlier, we use to get as much as Rs 10,000 from one family but now people don’t give more Rs 2,000 as no elaborate functions are being held these days,” he said.