This union has been surrounded with controversy for years now, and it looks as if only a miracle will save it. DJ Sid who has shown massive interest in the local music industry has made it public that he wishes to save BOMU by becoming its next President. He has shared 15 top things that he feels BOMU should do in order to redeem itself.
1. Immediately suspend awards indefinitely.
2. Build a uniting membership data base that includes tens and perhaps even hundreds of artists not members today!
3. Build all regional structures which are fully functional! Full orientation/training about professionalism and putting out international standard/quality products must follow!
4. Engage radio/TV stations and BOCRA about BW music airplay!
5. Engage COSBOTS to clear the air about royalty collection and payment.
6. Engage CIPA, all Financial services, all medical health cover n insurance companies/organisations about services they can grant artists either directly or through BOMU. An attractive membership database could do the trick here.
7. Engage Ministries Of Youth Sports n Culture, Trade and Justice with a view of suggesting to them to assist with matters of BW artists engagement at government and parastatal events, provision of grants, training facilities, Mass Media Complex, provision of community studios n performance venues, and unfair regulation presently in existence!
8. Engage the media about coverage of the industry in general. The media has a vital role that could build this industry.
9. Engage schools to see what programs are in place for training all the way from primary school level.
10. Engage BURS about what we need to do to pay tax. If Burs went after us now, we will all end up in jail.
11. Engage record stores especially Musical about shelf space for its artists.
12. Start its own BW music streaming services.
13. Establish a vibrant n very active fundraising and community service year round program.
14. Engage promoters to stop hiding behind fingers to hire their artists, treat them well, pay them well or take a hike!
15. Word on the street is that the drug industry has many clients from the entertainment/music industry. BOMU should stand up and save these artists n help those not into drugs not to slip into them.
“These engagements should be documented and communicated to the members. Currently we have no idea what BOMU does except for the awards. ALL The previous leaderships have also been guilty of this! There’s a hell lot more, but these 15 items need to be done either immediately and some over a 5 year period,” Sid concluded.
