Karyawan To Deliver Music Practitioners Convention Resolutions To PM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) is set to draft several resolutions for submission to the Prime Minister after the Music Practitioners Convention on Sunday (June 21), aimed at empowering the future of the local music industry.

Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez said the resolutions will be formulated based on discussions with more than 200 artistes and music industry practitioners expected to attend the convention at Saloma Restaurant, Kuala Lumpur.

“Over the past 20 years, I have seen worrying and unhealthy developments in the industry. We need renewal in the industry and to assess what needs to be improved,” he said at a press conference for the convention here today.

He said the memorandum is expected to be prepared about a week after the convention, covering a range of issues including industry development, artificial intelligence (AI) usage, royalty systems, support for artistes, music education and career prospects for music practitioners.

Freddie said the convention is also being held to provide a platform for music practitioners to express their views and seek clarification on a range of issues that are still unclear and confusing.

On royalty issues, Freddie said the matter should be addressed as it remains a longstanding concern within the music industry, especially regarding payments to artistes.

He said a review of related annual reports showed that record company collections from 2002 to 2017 totalled almost RM700 million, compared with about RM20 million disbursed to artistes’ bodies.

Freddie also said the use of AI requires thorough discussion to develop guidelines that balance technological development with the interests of music practitioners, adding that the music industry must offer clearer information, opportunities and pathways for young talent to develop their careers in the field in a more organised manner.

“We may consider industry laws and regulations, as well as additional support for artistes to help them develop their careers in the industry,” he said.

The one-day convention is scheduled to begin at 10 am this Sunday and will feature industry players and academics as panellists, including music activist Joe Lee, composer Dr Moja Salim and Live Nation managing director Para Rajagopal.

-- BERNAMA