Tuesday January 18, 2011
China songbirds croon all the way to the bank
OTHER NEWS & VIEWS
Compiled by SHAUN HO, ANN TAN and A. RAMAN
SONGBIRDS from China are earning big bucks in night clubs in Singapore.
Some of these women earn up to a S$150,000 (RM340,000) per night, including tips by customers, Sin Chew Daily reported.
The daily quoted a manager in a club as saying that popular singers could earn millions per year and drive luxury cars that are even “more expensive” than those of their customers.
“There was this gorgeous singer who was a favourite among some customers.
“Two men who came in Ferrari sports cars were interested in her. The customers tried to outbid each other in the tips. That night, she accumulated S$150,000 (RM356,756) .
“Their bosses will usually take 20% to 30% of the tips for the night but she still managed to take home about S$120,000 (RM285,352) that day,” he said.
In Singapore, customers paying less than S$500 (RM1,189) would be allowed to garland the singers while they perform. Those who pay more can help pin sashes on the singers’ body. The amount of tip is printed on the sash.
“The customers, mostly aged 40 and above, include lawyers, bank officers and businessmen. Students from wealthy families are also among the fans,” the club manager said.
Sin Chew Daily's report is not accurate.
Singers aka recording artistes are here on 6 month WP or 2 yrs WP. In the case of the latter, you need 9 staff to qualify for 1 2-yr WP. An average size outlet is permitted to hire 15 singers on 6-mth WP. Smaller outlets, 8-12. I suspect the capacity of the joint determines the number of singers you can apply. If 108 and more, you should get 15. MOM is the authority.
150K a night very rare. Singers usually make more money when they have their show - upon arrival, birthday, departure etc. Usually 2 shows within their 6 mth. Singers are not permitted to get tips. They are not hostesses.
Nightclubs usually set a target of between 6-8k for their singers to meet as mthly target. If target is met, 7-3 (3 for nightclub). If exceed 10k, the amount exceeding 10k, it is 8-2. Most singers I know are able to meet their monthly target. Those who aren't able to are usually sent home.
No one except the waiter or waitresses is allowed to go on stage to 'hang flower' for the singers. Other than the singers, no one is allowed to sing on stage. In the recent past, Dynasty, Hong Kong Palace and Xian Ze were the leading joints. Xian Ze had many Lambors and Ferraris parked outside their joint. Latest hot joint is Macau.
Legally speaking, the singers are only paid a salary of 1-1.5K. Accommodation is taken care of. In reality, they don't get paid and neither are their accommodation paid for. They depend on 'flowers'. Legally, they are not supposed to sit with customers but all HFJs do not comply.
HF is a killer. If you earn 10k a month, you won't hang with ease. Flowers range from 30/50 - 30K. Each singer sings at least 5-6 songs per nite. It becomes interesting during 'phai phai chang' where all singers will line up on stage and take turns to sing.
The ones who are known to hang big amounts are those in the oil trade, pian biz etc. People who patronize HFJ don't enjoy KTV with hostesses and vice versa. The thrill of chasing a singer to bed is an expensive affair.
