KUCHING, June 26: Six contenders have successfully advanced to the pinnacle of the Tok! Busker Challenge 2023.
The eligible groups namely; Senggalang Buskers, Mun-Kids Buskers, Adi Busker, Adruce Azman from Kuching, along with Tiga Jejaka Sopan and KJ Buskers from Samarahan and Simunjan are set to take place on July 1st at P.Ramlee Auditorium in Kuching.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed full support for the program, emphasizing its empowerment of the music industry in the state.
“The Sarawak government is aligned with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture. They fully support and appreciate this program, as well as acknowledge the efforts made by RTM in showcasing the talents of buskers.
“Aligns with the Ministry’s objectives to promote tourism, the creative industry, and performing arts. They value and recognize the significance of the busking performances,” said Abdul Karim during the press conference.
The program offers a total prize of RM 37,000.00 for the Semi-Finals and Grand Finale. The first-place winner will receive RM 10,000.00, the runner-up will be awarded RM 7,000.00, and the third-place winner will receive RM 5,000.00.
When asked about the establishment of a union for street artists, Abdul Karim stated that it depends on the artists themselves in the busking field.
“It is up to the practitioners in the arts, specifically in busking, to form an association or organization to safeguard their welfare and address related matters once such a union is established.
“Whether it is the Sarawak Buskers Association or the Kuching Buskers Association, they can then write to us to request allocations and other considerations. I believe this can be taken into consideration, but I encourage the formation of specific associations to take care of their welfare,” Abdul Karim explained.
The Kemuncak Tok! Buskers Challenge 2023 will be broadcasted live on TV2 at 9:00 pm on July 1st (Saturday) or streamed via RTM Sarawak Facebook page. -TVS
