Music to the ears: Karyawan hails proposal for day to recognised local artistes

Karyawan president Freddie Fernandez said National Music Day will help elevate the nation’s music industry.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) has welcomed a proposal for a National Music Day to recognise local musicians, saying it would help the public better appreciate their contributions to the nation.

Karyawan president Freddie Fernandez said the proposal by communications minister Fahmi Fadzil had long been awaited by the music fraternity, including composers, singers, and technical crew.

“A National Music Day is akin to a festive celebration for everyone in the music community – from performing artistes to students, composers, educators, and academic institutions offering music programmes.

“It is a form of appreciation and motivation for all who have chosen music as both a profession and a lifelong passion,” he said in a statement.

Fernandez also said a National Music Day would help elevate the nation’s music industry.

He said the initiative would serve as a catalyst to educate the public on the value of music and foster greater harmony within the industry.

“It will provide Malaysia with an official platform to unite industry voices, raise awareness on rights and royalties, and strengthen the role of music as a vital component of the nation’s creative economy, much like how National Sports Day has successfully united Malaysians through sporting activities,” he said.

On Oct 27, Fahmi said establishing a National Music Day was aimed at recognising musicians for their contributions to the development of Malaysia’s creative industry.

He said the celebration would also support musicians in issues related to royalties, employment opportunities, and efforts to promote local music at the international level.