Demonstrations are good for business for buskers because collection rates go up, well-known street musicians Genji Buskers said.

The group’s vocalist Mustam Mustapa said Genji Buskers performed several times in front of the Sogo shopping complex during demonstrations and the collection was more than usual.

“I have gone through several episodes of peaceful demonstrations as well as the less peaceful ones.

“Peaceful demonstrations have a good impact on us. But I can also say the same when I busked at times when even police cars are overturned,” he told Malaysiakini .

This contradicts street musician group Caliph Buskers who told Astro Awani that the Kita Lawan demonstration in Kuala Lumpur last week had affected their income.

However, Mustam said Caliph Buskers were not in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday, and were on tour with radio station Hot FM in Port Dickon.

“I don’t know who Caliph Buskers are speaking for. The group who performed at Sogo on Saturday were Sentuhan Buskers and their income that day was kaw kaw (very good).

“I was told that half of the bag was filled with cash,” Mustam, who has been busking for five years, said.

Mustam also expressed concern that Caliph Buskers may have been used by other quarters to make the statement since the group, made up entirely of the blind, are still new to the scene.

Tear gas in his eyes

Street musician Nik Jidan agreed with Mustam that his income goes up during demonstrations, although this may mean singing while his eyes are stinging from tear gas.

“Our income goes up, but you never know, if the FRU starts spraying (firing water cannon and tear gas) we may not be able to perform,” he said.

“Usually, during a demonstration I will focus less on the contributions I get and will just carry my guitar to the streets to sing songs which suit the situation.”

Last Saturday, about 70 people joined the Kita Lawan rally in solidarity with jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim in front of the Sogo shopping mall on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

Activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim and PKR supreme council member Fariz Musa were arrested for organising the rallies which have taken place every Saturday since Anwar was sent to jail on Feb 10.

They were arrested under Section 143 of the Penal Code but released the next day after their statements were taken.

The Kita Lawan mega rally will take place at the same place on March 7.