Sad note: Rich in melody, wedding singers have poor savings

They ring in wedding celebrations with their lilting music, but when it comes to their own lives, there is a sad tone to it.
Contrary to the belief that singers and bands make tons of money performing at weddings, some actually have a tough time making both ends meet.
Tales of wedding singers leading their lives in penury and housed in dilapidated buildings are often dismissed and buried by accusations that they charge huge sums to perform at weddings.
Summer is one season that the wedding singers look forward to since it throws up opportunities to make a living. In fact, it is their earnings during this season that see them through the year. Modern day music performances required installation of high-funda audio speakers and integrated audio system under the supervision of a sound engineer. This alone can cost up to SR5,000, says 22-year-old Mashael, a student who doubles up as a singer to pay off her education loan and take care of her family.
And then, some hosts come up with additional demands that only add up to the cost of the performance. The rate charged by performers per night varies from one place to another. In smaller cities, the cost of hiring a band ranges from SR7,000 to SR11,000 while in larger cities, prices can touch SR100,000 when the elite of the city hire them for large crowds at wedding parties, says Mashael, adding that the average cost is typically around SR35,000.
Sounds exciting enough, but after deduction of costs for equipment and distribution among band members, usually nine in number, the amount the singers make is trivial. Mashael has her own dreams of becoming a doctor, but she certainly can’t sing her way to it, and she knows it!