Happy to be back on stage …after five months!

If you are a musician/entertainer you would know what it is to be without work…for five months! Our scene was locked down, as well, and our artistes had to go without work…for a considerable long time. And, they are all happy that the setup is now changing…for the better.

Expressing her happiness, too, is Merlina, who is in Dubai with her band Mission.

In fact, they have been in that part of the world, since 2019, and were very much a part of the Fortune Karama Hotel, until the coronavirus pandemic showed up. And, then, Merlina and Mission, and their duo scene of Mersh, had no work…for five consecutive months!

They all had plans to return home but found the going tough in getting a seat to fly home.

In a way, this seems to be a blessing in disguise because Merlina is back in action…at the Fortune Karama Hotel – as a trio.

According to Merlina, the government still hasn’t given the green light for a complete band (full band) to perform, in the UAE.

So, while Mission takes a backseat, Mersh made their appearance last Wednesday, August 5th, as a trio – Suresh (drums), Merlina (vocals) and Suresh Joseph (lead guitar and vocals).

Says Merlina: “With all the restrictions, we are faced with, I had to think of something new, to perform in a nightclub atmosphere.

“We had to programme bass and keyboard parts, for each and every song: my drummer plays live drums and the lead guitarist sings and plays rhythm, and lead parts, accordingly and, we were told that we sound great.

Merlina went on to say that although they usually stop, by 2.30 am, by popular demand, the management has extended the closing time to 3.00 am.

The restrictions in place, due to the coronavirus pandemic, stipulate that the performers, on stage, need to keep a distance of two metres, from each other.

“And, we do it – the three of us are keeping that distance!”

According to the rules, strictly enforced, in the UAE, a performer can only remove the mask, and sing, if the crowd is four metres away from the singer.

“We have that distance, from the bandstand to the guests, but, for our own protection, we also wear a plastic see-through shield,” said Merlina, adding that the trio has to sit and perform, all the time.

“No one is allowed to dance, and people can’t stand, and stay around tables, like before. They need to have a table and be seated, while enjoying the music.”

Mersh perform every night, from11.00 pm to 3.00 am, along with DJ music.

“Once we get the green light, from the Dubai Government, for full bands to perform…yes, we will move into action as a five-piece band – Merlina and Mission.”