MUSIC INDUSTRY UNRECOGNIZED

Botswana Musicians Union(BOMU) president Alfred Mosimanegape aka Alfred Mos last Sunday told a shocked group of Urban Music(hip hop, house, r&b and Kwaito) djs and artists that the music industry in Botswana is not officially recognized as an industry.

It’s a damn shame and a shocking revelation even to Monnamogolo based on the fact that musicians have existed for as long as this country has existed; musicians have been used by government at various events and activities over the last 46 years; musicians are expected to pay tax and there is an official annual President’s Day music extravaganza.

He revealed this at a meeting with the group which wishes to form an association for Urban Music djs and artists to deal with their specific issues. Alfredo Mos further revealed that the liquor operation hours are not really meant for music events but for the sale of alcohol only. That there is nothing stopping music promoters from operating beyond 2am.

Could this be a loophole that artists can take government to court over?

SIGN PERFOMANCE CONTRACTS

This story is inspired by something that happened to a friend of Monnamogolo two months ago.

It is meant to sensitise all artists, djs and musicians who have been naïve like him for years. Ditsala tsame, make sure you sign contracts for everything that you do “professionally” ie using studios, recording, signing to a company, releasing albums, performing, deejaying etc.

Never take anything for granted, never make verbal agreements, some do not hold in court when they go sour.  For performance, always include the following in your contract: Date of event, venue, fee, time of performance, payment terms, deposit, cancellation terms/conditions/period and fee.

Always have a witness sign the contract with you and keep your copy safely. Seek the help of a lawyer to make sure that the contract terms can be enforceable should your deal go sour. No promoter will play games with you if you do all this.

NONOFO AND MASEGO GONE

My Star hopeful Nonofo, became the next victim to feel the axe at the show last week.

She and Masego and two others, Keabetswe and Amogelang received the least votes of the remaining 32 contestants and had to all battle to stay in the competition.  After a tense battle Keabetswe and Amogelang each received two votes which allowed them to escape the chop and give them at least another week.

For the second week in a row one contestant failed to show up. Two weeks ago, it was 17- year- old Mellissa from Lobatse who did not turn up and last week, talented Agisanyang, who had forgotten her lyrics, failed to turn up and was automatically ejected.

All the remaining contestants failed to get Monnamogolo’s 110% attention. It could just be because its early days and they are getting their act together, but so far this group is less impressive than the last one. The next recording is tonite at Btv Auditorium.

 CITYBOYS LAUNCHES

Local gospel group City Boys will launch their new DVD and CD this Saturday at Gaborone West Community Hall. The DVD is a compilation of their first and second album.

New Manager of the group Maxwell Mooki said the new CD is packed with rhythm and anointing. The double launch will feature an Easter package of Keba, Molly, Ba dumetseng go Jehova, Elijah, Bafana ba Kosha, and Mosimanegape.

Tickets for the show are sold at Jabu Stone Salon at the Main Mall. The show starts at 18:30hrs

KRASH THE HUSTLE

Krash aka The Ghettoprince has just dropped his second album with the help of Mafia Soul.

The album is entitled, The Hustle Round 2. With producers Oskid, Slimkash, Uzzi and James on the boards, this is a much better product than his first.  He also utilsed the services of Bon-Fella, Prince Tapfuma and Man-E who recorded, mixed and mastered the album.

The 12 track hip hop album is a nice blend of beats and rhymes featuring heavyweights Stagga and Kast amongst others. Another interesting feature of this CD is Krash also blended in Zambia/Nigerian beats with hip hop beats, which makes the album a lil unique. The only two things lacking on this album is mastering and he could have done a better sleeve. Otherwise, a good CD if you are into hip hop!