Times Of Swaziland: WHY ARTISTS SHOULD JOIN SWAMA…

WHY ARTISTS SHOULD JOIN SWAMA…
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BY NONDUMISO MSIBI on 30/08/2021 07:14:00


MBABANE – If you are an artist and haven’t subscribed with Eswatini Arts and
Music Association (SWAMA), then this is for you.
SWAMA was established in the year 1978 and has over the past 40 years overcome
so many challenges that the fruits of the association’s predecessors are
starting to be indulged by the current generation of creatives. However, there
have been concerns from both established and upcoming artists that they have not
benefitted anything from the association. To help clarify this, this publication
spoke to the SWAMA’s Public Relations Officer Zoe Nonde on the benefits of
joining the association. When asked on the importance of paying annual
subscriptions of E50 and E100 respectively, she said at the last annual general
meeting (AGM), members in attendance voiced out that it was constitutionally
required for active members to subscribe annually.
Sentiment
“It was a shared sentiment that this exercise will also eliminate inactive
members, which makes it easier for us to secure things like financial aid for
members because the number of members will be manageable. So above everything,
it is a constitutional requirement,” she said. She went on to add that the key
things the association considered for artists who have subscribed regarding the
MTN SWAMA Awards were that every year, top artists in that particular year,
regardless of the genre, get to be selected to perform.
“Of course, it’s currently the biggest stage in the country at the moment,
and it makes sense that the creatives who worked the most in that particular
year get all due recognition in line with what obtains elsewhere. The awards
shows concept is universally the same globally; hence our resolve to benchmark
with some of the best in the world. The aspiration to perform on the awards
stage is generally inherent with almost all artists, but naturally, not everyone
gets to be nominated for these reasons already stated. These are some of the
artists who have graced the awards stage since inception: Lodanda,  Mshikishi,
Nothando Hlophe,  Sands, Tendaness, Llucid Musiq,  Velemseni, Mzwaa, Pele Pele, 
Toothless, Zamo, M Triggerson, Lution, Illa Penboy, Phathwakahle, to name but a
few. Most of these artists set the standard in the years they were visibly
active and the standards can never be compromised in award shows because the
world gets to watch and appreciate our industry’s growth since these shows get
to be posted online,” added Nonde.
Benefits of being a member of the association include access to the members
directory, nominating and voting privileges, attendance at annual conferences,
awards events, performance rights at the SWAMA festival, access to the SWAMA
Revolving Fund, and access to scholarships in music and the arts through the
‘soon to be launched’ SWAMA Arts Academy Exchange Programme. Furthermore,
Nonde stated that: “We have worked on having benefits that make being a member
a package deal, where it just isn’t about the awards only anymore but other
opportunities that speak to full artistry. And these are benefits that we have
communicated openly. I think it then boils down to artists deciding if these
opportunities are what they need right now in their careers, and if so, we are
happy to take this journey with them.”
Association
It is worth noting that the association announced that there would be a
revolving fund for artists which would assist them since the arts sector or
rather industry was affected by the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. Nonde
mentioned that although it had been announced that the fund would be available
by this time; due to the third wave and the political unrest, the process had
unfortunately been delayed. However, she said SWAMA was in the process of
picking it up and an update on the progress would be shared shortly. The music
industry associations do a lot of great work on behalf of their members,
ensuring they have a voice and their concerns are heard and acknowledged by
government and the media. These associations exist to represent their members
and provide valuable insight for outsiders and music industry rookies. The goal
of this community is to protect the rights of its members and the music it
creates, while also connecting musicians and supporters.
Why do musicians need a union? The entertainment world is one of the most unique
industries across the world. This industry can be a ruthless warzone that can
isolate and destroy people. Money is a huge motivator and corrupter in the
world, and it, unfortunately, has a place in music too. No two music artists are
alike, but most of them begin creating music out of their desire and love for
music. The music industry is there to monetise this love and passion for music.
It creates the precipice of the clash that most musicians run into throughout
their music careers.
Practice
The business side of this industry can be quite confusing and difficult to
navigate. If you wish to be a doctor, you can go to a medical school, then do
your residency, and eventually work your way up through the ranks into medical
practice. The career path of a musician isn’t as prescribed and comes with
several peaks and valleys, twists and turns. Especially in the era of sharing
and streaming of content, as well as the tumultuous political climates, the
business aspect of music needs to be handled carefully. Independent artists are
challenging record label-signed Acts for the number of streams, downloads, radio
plays, and more, which is why it is more important than ever that they are
afforded support and protection for their music. Moreover, for musicians, music
teachers, and others looking for stability, the MU can help them find music jobs
and make important connections. It is truly a cutthroat world out there,
especially in the music industry. Most musicians today start off with the vision
of becoming a famous rock star and a celebrity. They soon find out that it takes
a lot of effort, sacrifices, and luck to do that.
Instead, the music industry is a gritty and difficult place to navigate.
However, the end result is worth it. The musicians’ union will help you
strategically navigate the tough world while making sure your rights are
protected. It’ll give you the backing you need to defend your rights while
making sure you have a fair shot at getting the career you’ve always dreamt
of. There is absolutely no reason for you not to join the best community of
musicians, especially if you’re an independent musician. The MU does a great
job of providing information and resources for anyone with a music-related job
so that they can navigate this tricky industry. Moreover, their work goes way
beyond this.
Resources
While having resources in the form of info is great, but the support and
protection that a union can provide are even more important. If you’re an
independent musician, you’ll likely be familiar with less than reputable
booking agents, studio owners, and venue owners. As sad as it might be to need
protection against the worst of mankind, but it is necessary. The MU sets out to
make a number of situations right including making sure performs are properly
paid for their performance, support for music teachers, and ensuring copyright
and performers’ rights are protected, among others. The MU provides solidarity
while making use of the resources of the large community for ensuring that
you’re protected.Most musicians have heard of the MU but what are the
benefits? If you are a professional musician, then you should definitely become
a member.
Even if you are an amateur musician who performs part time then you should still
consider joining. The Musicians Union was set up to protect the right of
musicians. They negotiate and set standard minimum fees and terms of service for
musicians and live bands. There is also a whole range of advice and guidance
available including approved performance and recording contract for things like
session work as well as legal advice available. It can be costly having
contracts drawn up and professional music industry legal advice is very
expensive. Joining the MU give you access to these. An important benefit is that
as a member, you are covered for public liability insurance so that if any
member of the public is injured then you have protection up to £10 million in
place. Many venues and promoters will ask for evidence of this so you should
really have this in place. Joining the MU is a cost-effective way of doing so.