A NEW BEGINNING FOR MERLINA AND MISSION

The original Merlina and Mission

Yes, they went to Dubai, as a five-piece band – Merlina and Mission – and later operated as a six-piece outfit, with an additional female vocalist (from the Philippines).

They moved into action at the Tantra Club, Fortune Karama Hotel, and, before long, turned out to be a major attraction. The crowd loved their music and the nightclub was packed, especially during their weekends.

But, it all changed with the Coronavirus pandemic, and entertainment came to a standstill.

After a long layoff, Merlina found work coming her way but she had to do the scene as a trio – vocals, guitar and drums. And, that scene is now down to a duo setup – the requirements of the night spot they now perform at.

As a trio, they went as Mersh, but Merlina says she now prefers calling the duo Merlina and Mission as that name brought them fame…at the Fortune Karama Hotel.

The new beginning for the duo, Merlina and Mission, is at the Fortune Atrium Hotel’s Freddie’s Sports Bar, and the action is from 9.30 pm to 11.30 pm.

According to Merlina, the music requirement, at Freddie’s Sports Bar, does not call for a drummer.

“The cream of society, in that area, patronise Freddie’s Sports Bar. They are there for meetings, etc., so the music we play has to be soft, and in keeping with the requirements of this posh crowd.”

However, from 12 midnight, onwards, Merlina and Mission are seen and heard at the Fortune Grand Hotel’s Bubble’s nightclub.

Since it’s a nightclub, Merlina and Mission can opt for a drummer but, for the present, Melina says that Bubble’s also prefer just a duo scene.

This got Merlina and her husband Suresh (who makeup Merlina and Mission) worried, wondering what was going to happen to their drummer – from the original five-piece lineup. (The rest have returned home.)

They, eventually, spoke to their previous employer (Fortune Karama Hotel) who decided to extend the drummer’s working visa and he now plays for an Indian band, until such time he is needed by Merlina and Mission.

Merlina says she is very happy the way things have finally worked out for them as they now have work – every night.

Of course, she misses being with the family, back home, especially during the festive period.

“I miss home very much – my son, my parents, the doggies, decorating the Christmas tree, baking cookies, making the traditional Christmas cake. There is no place like home, for the holidays, and Christmas.”