THE global economic crisis has affected the local entertainment industry with many popular artistes willing to accept half their usual rate to perform at events or functions, Kosmo! highlighted.

Some famous artistes have even banded together and are willing to accept lower payment, resulting in those who are not so popular being offered far less.

Before the economic crisis, popular performers could easily make between RM15,000 (S$6,202) and RM25,000 for each performance. Now, they are getting between RM8,000 and RM14,000.

Some singers even offer to perform more songs to compete with their peers for the same events.

Badrul Hashim, who manages local singer Diddy, admitted that some artiste management companies had to lower their prices following the economic slowdown.

However, he said artiste managers should not do this indiscriminately.

"It cannot be denied that some managers lower their rates to fight for performance opportunities for their artistes."

He proposed that a guideline be established to set basic payment for performances according to popularity.

Sam Kassi, who manages singer Noryn Aziz, said that in view of the current economic situation, he would normally ask organisers for the budget that they had set before negotiating payment.

"What's important is that the payment is reasonable. We should not be chasing after offers to the extent of agreeing to whatever payment is offered by clients." -The Star/ANN