Why the music industry won't grow

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Staff Writer | Wednesday July 25, 2012 00:00

 

Various reasons have been advanced by those involved in the industry for the poor growth with some musicians often blaming piracy as the evil deed that denies many of them the right to benefit from their talents while some have modestly acknowledged lack of creativity as a source for concern.

But the reasons vary as much as the genres themselves. For instance there are those who have belief the poor organisation of the industry is the real reason for lack of growth.

Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) president Alfred Mosimanegape, who also trades as Alfredo Mos and Africa Sounds, says both piracy and lack of proper legislation governing the industry are hindrances to the aspired growth. 'There are devastating challenges facing this industry. It is unfortunate now that musicians are governed by policies, which were meant to control other industries. For instance when you apply for a permit to host a festival you are issued that permit under the Noise and nuisance by-law which, I believe, is not proper,' Mosimanegape said.

He alleged that some law enforcers do not seem to understand the same laws they are supposed to implement.  Mosimanegape conceded that individualism was also consuming the industry, saying that most industry players were often reluctant to share ideas with colleagues. 'Yes it is a business and competition is natural but because people are often reluctant to work on something together so that it passes through many eyes and ears before it reaches the market, it is bound to reach the consumers with a lot of defects which could have been prevented if more people were involved,' he said.

Gospel producer Bishop Mpho Mbali declared that the industry was 'non-existent' and blamed poor organisation and lack of leadership for the current situation.

'That you are a good musician does not make you a good producer.  There is need to have each expert focus on their area of specialty in the industry.  We need talent scouts who would stick with only that and pass that talent to the producers who would then hand over the product to managers and people in the marketing and distribution sectors,' he said.

Producer Robert 'Dargie' Dargirari concurred with him saying lack of properly organised record companies were the main problem.

'Some years back we looked to be on the right track. There were people like me, Eric (Ramco Records) and Solo Monyame (Mud Hut) who were showing the willingness to stand out. But it is now different because artists can do as they please and this only kills them. We need companies with proper structures where I have to only worry about producing albums, someone identifies talent for me and someone else does the marketing,' he said.

Dargie blamed greed among musicians as one of the problems that have led to disorganisation of the industry.  'Look some musicians believe it would help them to just do everything for themselves. They think it saves them money but it is only pulling them down because they need to focus on refining their talents. Releasing one album should not suddenly make them think they are experts on everything,' Dargie said.