Let’s stop abusing artistes’ works

become intelligent thieves who don’t see the implica­tions of our actions on the artiste.
Do you remember a time on the Zim­babwean land­scape when these guys were looked down upon by their fami­lies, communities and the general society.
Today even though things have changed in terms of appreciation they will con­tinue to be branded as hope­less people (marombe) as they fail to justify their efforts.
Well, what can we do with all the gadg­ets available to transfer and exchange the work of artistes without being part of the transaction?
As it takes us time to comply with stan­dards of the technology pacesetters it will remain a sad story for local artistes to make money from their sweat.
Yes, shows do assist but there are costs involved which the same artistes need to pay for.
Many times we have heard from deci­sion makers, associations against piracy but it’s sad to say nothing tangible has come up and so this week let’s begin to share ideas and begin to seriously find ways of at least controlling this challenge.
If we can’t completely eradicate it at least we can try and manage it and so here is one way I would suggest.
As musicians work with different peo­ple in the industry the need to create and formulate contracts, agreements or mem­orandum of understanding can be one way to protect the abuse and leakage of material.
Let’s look at the studio.
Many times studio producers and engi­neers share artistes’ material without the knowledge of the artistes.
They can even “burn” discs for their friends and so on. Even after the duplica­tion they give away the music as a way to promote their studio or work.
The studio makes money from the rates they charge for their services and so at           no time do they run losses in their busi­ness.
I think the material must not be shared without the artistes’ consent.
The studio must not burn my music without my knowledge and approval.
Therefore, confidentiality and memo­randa of understanding documents must be signed between the artiste and the studio in the case where artistes pay for the studio.
After recording request a back-up of your material which you will keep and use when necessary.
The studio must not remain with your music as this leaves loopholes of sharing the music freely disadvan­taging the artiste.
Remember we want to control the abuse of our work and I think it’s only right to create and formulate ways that bring peo­ple to accountability.
The artistes should be able to monitor and manage the use of their products by signing agreements with whoever and whenever necessary.
Even when you go to duplicate CDs make sure that an agreement is signed commissioning the number of CDs you want after that make sure that your              material has not be saved for further              use.
This whole initiative or idea is to try and control  your material before the offi­cial release. At least the owner of the music must officially launch his works and sell a sizeable number to recover pro­duction costs and make a bit of money before other people begin to share it freely.
Well this is my idea, what’s your take on it, what other ideas can we put in a basket and control this crea­ture.
Remember let’s do something about the situation than just talking about it. Till then stop and I mean let’s stop piracy.

l Richard Kohola is a music critic and develop­ment expert and can be contacted on the following number 0772 382 871 or email [email protected]