Musical culture: the Malagasy musicians’ union founded

Unity is strength. That is the image that local interpreting artists, authors and composers want to show the general public. That also means the Malagasy artists are always looking for professionalism. It is for that reason that local musicians have created their union of artists or musicians, known as Se.Mpa.Mma (or Sendikan’ ny Mpanao Mozika Malagasy).

The union is composed of renowned artists and music professionals, including, among others, Samoela, D-Gary, Rajery, Jaojoby, Bodo, and Njakatiana. Besides, the union has a national scope because all provinces have their own representatives. Currently, its Management Board consists of twenty artists. It is to be noticed that the union has four specific commissions: culture, communication, training and infrastructure.

During the union’s official inauguration at the Jao’s Pub at Ambohipo yesterday, Njakatiana, the union’s General Secretary, said that the status of the union is useful for artists to raise awareness and to inform them about their rights. It is also a new strategy for artists to deal with globalization. Jaojoby Eusebe, for his part, called upon the government to appoint, in the place of Minister of culture, Homeland Security and the heads of cultural departments, individuals who are knowledgeable about the fields and who are committed to combat piracy. This union is operational since yesterday and invites all artists and musicians to be the members.