The monsoon is here. A time that spelled relaxation for those in the hospitality industry. A time to shut down and go off on a much needed break after the hectic season. Now of course things are different. Monsoon magic means the crowds keep coming into Goa from various parts of the country. But then it has not always been smooth sailing. Business has been experiencing troughs. The hospitality industry is the source of income of other industries like the entertainment industry that depends on it. Numerous musicians in Goa survive in the hospitality industry. Now in the monsoon, it would be pertinent to ask how the musicians are faring. Is business good or has there been a drop in business?
One of the more prominent musicians in Goa is Colin D’Cruz, the bassist of the band Jazz Junction. When asked if the monsoon had an effect on business, he says, “Monsoon may be off season for many in Goa but not for me. Places like Cavala and Altrude by the Sea actually rock off season much more than during the season. Probably because so many places close, the few that stay open get all the footfalls. For my band Jazz Junction, it’s business as usual.”
A popular musical duo in Goa, Roy and Tammy D’Sa were doing very good business during the season. Roy says, “We are still doing the same. Our schedule has not changed because we have a year round contract. We play in different restaurants on different day. We do it five times a week.” When asked if some of the employers had tried to negotiate different rates for the monsoon season, he said the rates stayed the same.
Another popular singer is Xanisha Fernandes, who said there was no decrease in the number of gigs during the monsoon season. She says, “We have our regular shows but yes, some restaurants have shut and weddings are off. Otherwise, I have 5 to 6 shows in a week. I am still performing everyday.’’ She said rates had not been reduced in the season. However, her partner, Croydon D’souza says that business was down by at least ten percent. Restaurants and shacks on the beach he said were not functioning. Even then business was decent with the Indian
tourists coming in numbers. He maintained he was not affected and business was continuing to come in.
However, singer-guitarist Sigmund de Souza had a contrarian view. He says the number of gigs had certainly reduced and this had happened from the time when the Lok Sabha polls were announced. He says, “I am doing my regular gigs but some have been cancelled and others bring another musician. It is very dynamic.” When asked if rates were being renegotiated by clients, he says he had been asked but he did not agree to the reduction in rates. He says, “Each artiste has their rate and they will not disclose how much they charge or have reduced their rates. I have come down a bit because I believe the effort is the same put in by the musicians. I understand the plight of the management but if you reduce then everyone will want you to play at those rates for the whole year.”
Jason Quadros, a professional keyboardist, says it was tougher this season to get gigs and to get them at the rates one quoted. He said that after the Carnival and the Lent season, the number of gigs and budgets had reduced. And many restaurants were looking for solo or duo acts. “ In 2022 and 2023 during the monsoon season, business was good but this year it has just not picked up,” he says. Speaking about reduction in rates, he says it used to happen during the off season but this time it did not guarantee any business coming one’s way.
Sandy Gago, the lead singer of the band Lynx, says the off season had affected business but they still had shows in restaurants. They had a gig this Saturday and would sometimes perform twice a week. With regards to the rate quoted, she says the price always remained the same and they were not prepared to reduce.
However, Chrystal Farrell of A 26 says there had not been a drop in business. They pass on international business because their passports were with the Canadian Embassy due to their commitment to the assignment in Canada and they even had to pass off on domestic business. She says there were a lot of business inquiries but they had to keep saying no.
Another very popular duo who call themselves the Music Fever Co, featuring Nashvin Cunha Gomes and Jonathan Zuzarte, were doing very well in this market. Nashvin says business was very good and they were performing everyday. Monday was an off for them and sometimes, they were performing twice a day. Speaking about rates, he says they kept their rates at a decent range and the new assignments were on those rates. He had nothing to complain about.
Alan Vaz, a jazz musician, however, says that restaurants were opting for soloists or duos and were negotiating rates which was not a problem for him. He said that was the reality of the market. It is obvious the pressures in the market were having an effect on the gig economy. Perhaps, the days of soloists or duos have now become a reality with the few big bands still able to command a premium in a few establishments.
