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They said under this arrangement managers will deal with the legal and financial aspects of the band so that they concentrate on their music careers.
The resolution was passed at the end of the band managers training workshop organised by Zimbabwe Music Rights’ Association (Zimura) in the city yesterday.
Local bands, Ndolwane Super Sounds and Black Umfolosi among others, attended the workshop.
Renowned poet, Albert Nyathi who is Zimura chairman and gospel singer Joice Simeti made presentations, while jazz artiste Bob Nyabinde was the director of ceremonies.
Other presenters included director of Hella Hella Promotions, Possenti Sikosana, Aleck Ncube from Nust, Watida Chikondo from Providence Sounds among others.
In his presentation Sikosana said it was important for band managers to be the ones who promote the music.
He said musicians were being short-changed because they were not signing contracts.
“Contracts are binding and if you do not have anything in black and white, no one is legally bound to give you money. So a manager can help to come up with a concise contract that promotes the band and protects it from unscrupulous promoters,” said Sikosana.
He said it was also important to have internal contracts that bind band members to adhere to a certain code of conduct.
“There should be clearly defined roles for each band member. This will help in the resolution of disputes and dealing with cases of misconduct,” said Sikosana.
He said monetary issues such as payments were the root of most disputes and the cause of the splits of some groups. Sikosana said a sound business background would ensure that the band or musician develops and grows a fan base.
“Band managers are the key in the growth of the band. They make decisions that can make or break the musicians,” said Sikosana.
He said it was important for band managers to come up with well thought out promotional materials for the band.
“The manager should ensure that the band gets as much exposure as possible,” said Sikosana.
Director of Zimura Polisile Dube in her presentation on Copyright Laws in Zimbabwe said it was important for people to understand copyright laws.
She said it was unfortunate that people in the music industry do not know the copyright laws of Zimbabwe.
“There are sections in the Copyright Laws of Zimbabwe that deal with specifics such as royalties.
There is still a dispute between Mercy Mutsvene and Rebecca Malope over some songs. Most artistes and band managers here do not know the law,” said Ncube.
She said the implementation of section 59 that dealt with piracy left a lot to be desired.
“When someone is caught with a pirated article section 59 states that they should be given a level 10 fine which is $700 or imprisonment of not more than two years or both for each pirated article. That simply means if you are caught with 10 pirated cds, you should pay a fine of $ 7 000 or 20 years in prison. If the law was enforced, the problem of piracy would have long been addressed,” said Ncube.
The aim of the workshop was to equip band managers with the tools necessary to manage artistes professionally.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter