FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)
Musa Barrow
28 October 2009
Serrekunda — A Music management promoter, Mr. Ousman Cham, alias Ous T, has called for radical changes in the way the Gambian musicians' union is operated. He explained that the union should be inclusive enough to accommodate other important stakeholders in the music industry, such as promoters, managers and producers.
According to Ous T, the present musicians' union is a club of only musicians which he described as 'unfortunate'. He explained that music is not just about musicians, but that there are other important stakeholders whose role is as important as that of the musicians.
For the country's music to reach its desired level, he said, all the important stakeholders in the industry should join heads together with a view to 'carving a path to the promised land'.
The music management promoter said that exclusion of any important stakeholder could lead to some setback for the whole music industry. He said this is the situation in the country, because other important stakeholders have been left out of the efforts to chat a brighter future for what he called the country's' fledging music industry'.
'The whole composition of the union could be said to be under represented ridiculous if one considers that promoters, managers, producers and DJs are not allowed to be members,' Ous T said.
He added that the issue is not just about the inclusion of other stakeholders, but that the executive members of Gambia Musicians' Union (GAMU), who are all musicians, need to change and include others.
He said that there is no way a musician can do well in music while, at the same time, involved in administrative issues such as running a union.
Ous T referred to an old saying that 'one cannot be beating the drum at the same time scratching his back' to support his claim.
He said doing the two things together is incompatible so musicians cannot also be plying their trade and at the same time involve in administrative affairs.
He said the ideal situation would be the inclusion of other important stakeholders who could help in the management and administration of the union.
He further indicated that as such the union should cease to be a club for musicians only, but that other important stakeholders such as promoters, managers, producers as well as musicians should be taken on board, noting that with this they form a significant force and that they have a pivotal role to play.
Commenting on the significance of a manager to a musician, Ous said a manager is the mediator or middle man between artists and other parties. Ous T, who manages Big Ams, Sir X and Junior Sam, said any deal between an artist and any group should be done under the watchful eye of a manager, whose role it is to make sure that the artist's interest is taken into account.
He called on all Gambian artists to work with managers who would safeguard their interests adding that this is the trend in the international music scene and that Gambian artists cannot afford to pay a blind eye on that.
He also warned artists against undermining their managers, explaining that doing so could ruin ones career. He further advised managers to work in the interest of their artists at all times, noting that their success lies in their hands; that they should desist from exploiting young artists which amounts to causing a setback on the entire music industry of the country.
'Exploitation amounts to striking a dagger at the very heart of our music industry', Ous T said.
The music management promoter said exploitation has to cease for the good of the fledgling music industry.
Commenting on his success as a manager, Ous T indicated that his musicians are one of the best in the style of music they play. He explained that when it comes to rap music, big Ams and Sir X, his two artists, are forces to be reckoned with. He added the duo are among the best Rappers performing in town currently.
He also said his artist, Junior Sam, is a leader and shining example in the Gambia's R and B.
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