MAM president Chimwemwe Mhango said though the group is a defect from his association, their objectives are similar and he sees no reason in ignoring it.
“We cannot stop anyone [from forming] an association or grouping, everyone has the right to do so and MAM respects this. The interesting thing is that our objectives are similar and this means we will be meeting in the course of our work. So we are ready to work with them,†said Mhango.
Cosoma’s assistant licensing officer Thomas Chirambo, during an anti piracy awareness campaign organised by Mudi in Lilongwe, said his office recognises the existence of the organisation because its formation brings hope to the fight against-piracy and in the country.
“The fight against piracy has been a challenge for us because we have had no any active group to support us. The coming of this organisation flashes some hope of relief in the fight against piracy in the country… Together, we have already brought to book some pirates,†he said.
When asked on how his office is going to work with the two groups, Chirambo said MAM is an established association and is supported by government whereas Mudi is a non-governmental organisation. He said Mudi cannot work as MAM because it is a group with specific interest and their working agreement with Cosoma is on the fight against piracy.
“MAM and Mudi are different but with similar interests. We accepted [to work with] Mudi because of its strategy on fighting piracy but this does not mean we have ignored MAM. We are proud of the efforts both groups are playing and I can reveal to the nation that Cosoma is still discussing on how best it should be working with both groups without conflicting them,†said Chirambo.
Mudi interim executive director Kendal Kamwendo denied any intentions of wanting to replace MAM. He said Mudi is composed of musicians acting like watchdogs and pushing for some changes both at Cosoma and government for the interests of musicians in the country.
Mudi was formed late last year as a task force against delays in payment of royalties by Cosoma. Within two months, the group grew in membership and revised its objectives turning it into a non-governmental organisation striving to develop local music.
