A musician with a caring heart

We do have lots of folks who are concerned about their fellow human beings and would go that extra mile to help others. But…yes, Janaka Vithanage is an exception.

Janaka is the leader of the band Audio Squad and, like all others connected with the entertainment scene, they, too, are feeling the heat where the pandemic is concerned.

Until the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, last month, there was no work for entertainers, but Janaka was able to keep the home fires burning since he is involved in several other projects as well.

However, Janaka is aware of the plight of his colleagues, in the music scene, with no work coming their war.

He is saddened by the fact that some of the musicians are now involved as taxi drivers, construction workers, doing odd jobs, etc., in order to survive.

Janaka did lend them a helping hand, financially, and is now working on a project to help these musicians, in a bigger way.

He is, at present, trying to put through some land deals and has pledged to open an Audio Squad Fund, where he hopes to put aside Rs. 100,000 so that 10 needy musicians would have Rs. 10,000 coming their way.

And, that is precisely the reason why I refer to Janaka Vithanage as a musician with a caring heart.

Janaka Vithanage: Concerned about the welfare of fellow musicians

Janaka also expressed his concern about some of the weddings that were held, no sooner the Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed.

The new rules that were put in place by the health authorities were never adhered to, he said.

In an appeal to all band leaders, musicians, DJs, and the people involved in the wedding industry, Janaka said: “Let’s all get together and protect our wedding industry,” and he listed out the following, for band leaders to put into practice at all “I do’ ceremonies:

• Make regular announcements about Covid-19 regulations, on the mic, at the start of each session, regarding Social Distancing, Mask/Shield Wearing, and that Dancing is not permitted.
• Upload photos to prove that the event was held in keeping with Covid health guidelines.
• Band leaders should inform the hotel management, at the commencement of the event, that it’s the responsibility of the hotel to control the crowd.
• Refrain from performing if the crowd exceeds 150.
• Request for a 20 feet x 12 feet stage (wherever possible) for band safety.
• Work in a bubble, for band members’ safety.
• Do not allow any outsiders on stage, unless pre-agreed professional reputed singers.
• If regulations are violated, immediately stop performing, even if you are in the middle of a song.

Janaka believes that if Covid-19

health regulations are properly taken care of, the showbiz scene can survive. If not, it will be no work, once again, for musicians.