From microphones to mobile phones: Hong Kong singer’s struggle to survive after live gigs axed in war against Covid-19
- A band’s lead singer says income was lost at a stroke after Covid-19 live performance ban was enforced
- Bar owner says relaxation too late for top Filipino performers forced to leave city as they could not find work and did not have permanent residency
A lead singer in a band who lost his income when live performances in Hong Kong were axed as part of the battle against Covid-19 more than two years ago has said he was forced to turn to dealing in used mobile phones to survive.
Cheung Yuk-pak, 24, the singer for Half March, told the Post on Friday the government was pitch perfect when it announced live performances at entertainment venues could restart next week.
“Money is always tight. For live gigs, I was able to manage my schedule and predict my income for the week. Trading old phones is more about luck,” he said.
Cheung said he used to earn up to HK$1,200 (US$153) a show performing three to five songs, but his income disappeared when the ban was imposed in April 2020.
He started Half March in early 2019 with another musician and busked around the city.
The duo started to win recognition and later performed in bars in Tsim Sha Tsui, at weddings and at public events up to five times a week.
The return of live entertainment across the city next Thursday means Cheung and many others in the industry can finally make plans to return to the stage.
