Datuk Awie has called for those in charge of handling the local showbiz to not give recognition to the growing number of YouTube celebrities in Malaysia. He argued that many of them have not undergone the proper process to become a real performer.
In airing his honest thoughts to Harian Metro recently, Awie (full name Ahmad Azhar Othman) described these up-and-coming artistes as robbers and intruders, who would in turn bring down the local entertainment scene if not given attention.
The frontman of the rock band Wings also questioned, is a person qualified enough and can be considered a singer just by taking someone else’s song and covering it on a YouTube channel? “If that’s the case, then what about us who have had a hard time paving the way, making ten songs for one album and are willing to spend tens of thousands of ringgit,” Awie said.
He continued, “All of a sudden, those who came out with only one single and sang the original singer’s song, for example my song despite that I’m still alive, can you imagine what we feel when people (listeners) keep on applauding them?”
“YouTube artists, you’re not going through the correct process. Therefore, I ask the associations that lead this industry to control their existence from spreading,” the “Di Penjara Janji” hit-maker was quoted as saying.
Furthermore, Awie expressed that those who acted in such a way has actually indirectly “stolen” the work of real singers who have been struggling to build their careers through the albums and songs they recorded. He said, “In the past, we were busy combatting piracy. But after these YouTubers came out, with a high number of followers, they were called by TV stations, and in the end, they were the ones who pirated the original artistes’ artwork.”
Following that, the “Sembilu” actor also urged any active entertainment associations in the country to tighten the rules before the singers enter the music scene. The least they can do, as suggested by Awie himself, is to come up with an album that contains 10 songs first.
“When you have your own songs, then we can consider them as true performers. Don’t just rely on other people’s songs. You sing other singers’ songs, then you switch it here and there. I don’t want things like this to end up ruining the industry, because we want artistes who are genuine, who are willing to struggle, have their own image and also character,” Awie concluded the chat.
Are you on the same page with the local celeb’s point of view about YouTube artistes?
Source: Harian Metro.
