MAM to evolve into union July
The Musicians Association of Malawi (MAM) will this July transform into a union following the organisation’s annual general meeting, which will also usher in new office bearers.
The major role of the union is to bring sanity into the country’s music industry by policing activities including performances by international artists.
“We have several issues on the agenda during our AGM scheduled for July. One of the key issues is an endorsement of our revised constitution that changes MAM from an association to a union.
“The change has been necessitated by the general outcry from musicians who are failing to reap from what their sow. The union will therefore regard its members as employees and will formulate policies that will enhance our lives.
“Negotiations of performance fees will be straightforward depending on the status of the artist,” explained MAM president Chimwemwe Mhango.
During the AGM, delegates will elect new representatives for musicians in the country.
However, having steered MAM for two years, Mhango is undecided on whether to contest or not.
“I am having mixed feelings, my other side wants to step down, but some members want me to continue serving as president. I am still pondering on it. I have made several achievements and I would want to leave before I mess up,” he explained.
Some of the achievements the president highlighted include changing the general face of MAM which resulted in a good relationship with its stakeholders.
Said Mhango: “I came in at a time when the organisation’s relationship with other stakeholders, such as government and Cosoma, was bad. We managed to work on that and things are moving smoothly. We now have a strong women’s desk and general membership base has gone up.
“Administratively, we have an Eastern Region arm, and plans are underway to establish one or two chapters in other parts of the country. For the first time, we had music awards which will be held annually.”
If the new constitution is adopted, MAM executive members will be serving a four-year term from two years.
Meanwhile, the MAM national executive committee is set to meet to evaluate the music awards that took place last month.
“The committee comprising chairpersons for chapters and secretaries will meet in Mponela soon. We are currently meeting partners to finalise report on what has happened during the awards, which will be given to the committee.
“After that, we will start planning for this year’s awards as our hope is to be having them in December,” explained Mhango.
