The Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) recently made a bold announcement that has sparked mixed reactions within the creative community. According to the association, musicians who are not registered members of ZAM will no longer be allowed to perform at any shows in the country. This move has been met with both support and criticism, with some applauding the effort to streamline the industry and others condemning it as a coercive recruitment tactic.
In this article, we’ll break down the implications of this policy, explore the perspectives of stakeholders, and discuss why better stakeholder management and sensitization are crucial for the growth of Zambia’s music industry.
The Announcement: What ZAM Said
ZAM’s recent statement was clear: only registered members of the association will be permitted to perform at shows across Zambia. The association argues that this move is aimed at creating a more organized and professional music industry. By ensuring that all performing artists are registered, ZAM believes it can better advocate for musicians’ rights, distribute royalties, and provide support to its members.
However, the announcement has raised eyebrows, with some artists and industry stakeholders questioning the timing and approach of this policy. Is this a genuine effort to unite and protect musicians, or is it a heavy-handed tactic to force membership?
Bobby East’s Perspective: A Voice of Reason
Renowned musician Bobby East recently shared his thoughts on the matter, offering a balanced critique of ZAM’s new policy. While he expressed his belief that every artist should be a member of ZAM, citing the fairness of the subscription fee, he also criticized the association’s recruitment technique.
In his statement, Bobby East wrote: “Dear ZAM, threatening the only source of revenue for your potential members isn’t the way to draw them in. Do better! For the record, I believe every artist should be a member of ZAM; the subscription fee is fair. I’m just not a fan of this recruitment technique. Better stakeholder management and overall sensitization are needed. Don’t bully people, it’s not right!! Anyway, I’m retired, I’ll shut up now.”
Bobby’s comments highlight a critical issue: the importance of stakeholder management and sensitization. While ZAM’s intentions may be noble, the approach risks alienating the very people it seeks to support.
ZAM’s new policy has undoubtedly sparked a necessary conversation about the future of Zambia’s music industry. While the association’s goals are commendable, the execution of this policy leaves much to be desired. As Bobby East aptly pointed out, bullying artists into membership is not the way forward.
Instead, ZAM should focus on building bridges, fostering trust, and demonstrating the tangible benefits of joining the association. Only then can it truly unite Zambia’s musicians and create a thriving, inclusive industry for all.
What are your thoughts on ZAM’s new policy? Do you see it as a step in the right direction, or does it risk doing more harm than good? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of any organization or individual mentioned.