MUM for contractual agreements before hiring musicians
Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM)-the national mother body for musicians in the country-says music artists should insist on contractual agreements before rendering any musical services.
Speaking on Tuesday in Liwonde during a workshop on contractual agreements and popularization of Mum constitution the organisation’s president, Gloria Kampingu Manong’a, said without contracts musicians are abused financially.
“We want the musicians to know that when they are hired to perform anywhere, they go there to work. Therefore employment working conditions should be applied to the letter.
“Musicians should not allow to be used without entering into a contract with the client. Contractual agreements help to mitigate employment disputes and abuse,” Manong’a said.
She said Mum was also on a countyrwide mission to popularise its constitution among its members which has been under review for some time now.
“There is need for musicians to understand their own constitution so that whatever they do falls within the law. Most importantly the constitution provides the legal framework within which the profession is premised,” she said.
One of the participants, gospel artist Martha Mituka said it is high time people recognise music as big business that could contribute to the economic development of the country.
Southern Region Mum deputy president Ras Ronald Chigwale also known as Congo Jonah said he has been impressed with the initiative so far, which will help mitigate disputes between parties.
“Some musicians have fought over song ownership done in collaboration because they never signed an agreement. It is very pathetic and chaotic when because of excitement a musician just accepts any deal just to get short-changed later,” Chigwale said.
