Veteran musician John Katana Harrison has said most Coast musicians are languishing in poverty for a lack of information on how to earn from their music.
Katana who is the Music Copyright Society of Kenya Coast director urged them to treat music as a business venture and not a hobby.
“People should treat it just like any other product in the market. You cannot spend time composing a song and allow it to play for free,” he said.
“There are so many avenues that can bring revenue to musicians but very few know these platforms and that is why we are here today to educate them.”
Katana spoke in Kilifi last Saturday during a music workshop.
The Them Mushrooms band leader said the region must be recognised musically for producing two great hits that have earned global recognition.
“Malaika and Jambo Bwana are songs that have earned international accolades. The Coast region must be recognised as the hub for great music and tunes. Let's treat music the right way to achieve this,” he said.
Through his Showbiz info Limited, Katana is currently holding workshops across the Coast region to sensitise musicians on the importance of running music as a business.
“We have been to Taita Taveta and now in Kilifi. We take through musicians how to manage music to make a profit. Days are gone where music was only for leisure,” he said.
Omar Omondi alias Ohms Law Montana, said most musicians in the region have little knowledge on how to turn their talent into a money-making venture.
Omondi is a hip-hop musician.
He said most talents in the region are fading as most musicians cannot survive on their music.
“The workshop was an eye-opener to many artists. We always treat music as a way of passing time yet we have bills to pay and a life to love. We treat music as a side hustle and not a full-time job,” Omondi said.
He said established artists from the region who have moved to other regions have failed to mentor upcoming artists.
“We lack mentors in the music industry. Those who came before us should mentor us to make sure we succeed in the industry,” he said
Jeddy Lipuka, wife to the legendary Joe Lipuka said the workshop was a wake-up call to Coast artists.
Jeddy who has ventured into gospel music after retiring as a nurse said most gospel artists in the region get nothing after entertaining people at social events.
“We also need to make a living to record our music. Music is a costly venture but with this training, I see light at the end of the tunnel,” she said
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
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