Mogomotsi Moloi
1 April 2008
Botswana Music Union (BOMU) secretary general Rasina Rasina has dismissed the general perception that artistes have lost faith in the association, hence the reluctance to join or renew their membership.
He explained that the reason why artistes do not renew their membership in time is because they lack awareness as to why BOMU exists. He would not admit that artistes have lost faith in BOMU but says that they do not understand its mandate. Showbiz has learnt that out of 480 members that BOMU has registered so far less than half have renewed their membership this year. This is in spite of the fact that the year is reaching its second quarter.
More new artistes are joining the industry but the BOMU membership does not seem to grow. Another clear indication of artistes' reluctance to join their association is that during the February controversial elections, only 80 people voted. Though he did not have figures of renewed or new membership, Rasina admitted that artistes are not coming forward as envisaged. He said they are concerned about the state of affairs but the issue is being looked into by the new BOMU executive led by its president Nkgopolang Tlhomelang.
"It is a concern to us but this it is something that we are tackling," Rasina told Showtime. He expressed worry that artistes tend to rush to the organisation when the BOMU awards date in December is near. But he emphasised that BOMU is not all about awards as there are more benefits to be enjoyed by being an active member.
"Many people still believe that BOMU is about music awards but that is not the case. Yes, we appreciate that awards are part of the important events run by the association but this should not mislead people," he said, adding that there are many things that BOMU does. He added that BOMU aims to fulfill its mandate, which encompasses a wide scope.
He stated that BOMU exists to give artistes protection from exploitation, protection against piracy, issues of royalties, welfare of musicians, train artistes on how to manage their works and deal with the copyright issue, which is currently a burning issue.
Furthermore, Rasina explained that BOMU is responsible for lobbying partnership and networking with relevant stakeholders internationally on behalf of artistes. He denied that local artistes are not taking BOMU seriously because of the controversy that rocked the association lately. "What is lacking is awareness. Until and unless artistes understand what BOMU is all about they will never realize its importance," he said.
He implored artistes to own BOMU for the association to succeed in realizing its mandate. He said for the industry to grow, both BOMU leaders and affiliates should engage in collective bargaining.
Rasina said the newly elected executives have started their work after the official handover a few weeks ago. And only recently, president Tlhomelang held a workshop in Francistown to sensitize artists there about the importance of BOMU. Communications manager Joel Keitumele will soon take the campaign to Maun. Rasina said this move is meant to demonstrate that the new officers are passionate about their BOMU work.
He believes it is high time the association is aggressively taken to the people (musicians) everywhere in the country. He expressed hope that sooner rather than later, BOMU, which has been embroiled in controversies, would be an association of note and which speaks for the artistes.
He is confident the new team will succeed in changing the attitude of artistes towards BOMU so its membership can grow.
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