In the Mozambican music scene, legendary musician Aniano Tamele reveals, in a recent interview, the challenges inherent in making a living exclusively from music in Mozambique today. His perspective illuminates not only the complexities faced by musicians, but also points to the pressing need for a reorganization and professionalization of the entire chain of professionals involved in the country's music industry.
Tamele highlights a fundamental aspect: the Mozambican musician is, in many cases, their own manager. They not only create music but also act as their lawyer, negotiating contracts and discussing fees. The musician becomes a multifunctional entity, responsible for all facets of their career. This scenario, while demonstrating the resilience and versatility of local artists, also highlights the lack of structure and professional support in the industry.
The absence of dedicated music industry managers is highlighted by Tamele as a significant gap. While in many music industries around the world, artists rely on the expertise of professionals to manage their careers, in Mozambique, the reality is different. The lack of a central figure, a manager who can handle contracts, fee negotiations, and collaboration opportunities, contributes to the dispersion and disorganization in the sector.
Aniano Tamele highlights the importance of having a dedicated manager, someone who not only appreciates the musician's career but is also willing to invest in and finance projects. The presence of a manager would provide a more solid structure, allowing the musician to focus on artistic creation, knowing that business management is in professional hands.
The musician suggests that professionalizing the industry would not only benefit artists but also make it easier for the public to access the work of these talented professionals. Having a manager as a central point of contact would facilitate negotiations and collaboration with other sectors of the industry, promoting a more cohesive and internationally recognized Mozambican music scene.
Aniano Tamele's testimony highlights not only the challenges faced by Mozambican musicians, but also serves as a call for positive transformation. By acknowledging existing gaps, space is opened for initiatives aimed at professionalizing and structuring the music industry, providing a solid foundation for artists to grow and thrive in a more organized and sustainable environment.
