Proper tools, support vital for artistes

musicians from whose ranks professional musicians are drawn.
In 1980, the American music conference review of the music industry indicated that about 50 million Americans say they can play an instrument, and nearly three-fourths of this group play regularly.
The report estimated that over one half of all American households has at least one amateur musician.
At times we want to compare ourselves with such nations who for a long time have built strong systems and cultures that today demonstrate a high level of arts and cultural excellence.
Slowly and not quite surely development of the music and arts industry is moving. While it may seem that many are joining the bandwagon it is also sad to see how long they can hold on as reality dawns on them they jump the sinking ship for safer shores.
The facts are so clear and unless they are addressed and dealt with our artistic community will lose motivation and inspiration and sooner than you know the Western and European expressions will continue to be the preferred option against our own story tellers. Let’s just look at a very basic requirement for development. The availability of instruments equipment and a good working environment that fosters development.
Did you know that most musicians and singers only get to play an instrument or sing using mics and sound systems during band practice at a rehearsal studio and on the final stage performance.
This scenario makes progress move very slowly and difficulty to generate new and exciting local music brands.
Our performers continue to stay within the amateur ranks. Given proper tools and support things can get better.
The good news though is that the duty-free facility allows artistes, arts organisations and promoters to import quality equipment free of paying import duty, creating a sound resource base for the arts.
The facility has contributed significantly in the development of the arts and cultural industries in the country.
Overall, according to statistics presented by the National Arts Council promoters through out the years have been the biggest beneficiaries of the duty-free facility largely because they are the major drivers of the performing arts sector, which also has the largest number of players.
The total number of artistes who have managed to benefit stands at 36 since 2007 to 2010, while that of promoters stands at 86 during the same period. The other beneficiaries are the church at 17 and 34 arts organisations.
The bad news is that while this facility is available to cushion those in the industry it is unfortunate that artistes cannot walk into any local bank and access loans in order to take advantage of this set-up.
If something could be done to assist this group to own their own equipment we will definitely begin to see more polished acts and a significant growth in professional acts rather than the ever present amateurish and half-baked products currently doing rounds.
Against the back ground of a lack of resources and equipment and training facilities the artistes have demonstrated a passion and commitment which needs to be complemented and supported from a Government point of view.
Other governments have specific figures set aside on the budget to cater for the development of the arts sector.
The arts sector has great potential given proper attention, and so there is need for real systems and support mechanisms to be put in place.
Merry Christmas