24/11/2023
MOSES KABAKA TO CHIEF MINISTER
At around 7:30AM this morning I received a call from the Chief Minister’s Special Assistant requesting a meeting with the CM. I honored the invitation. Even before I took my seat, his words were “the industry”. I told Moinina David SengehThe Chief Minister that in my opinion the government is not yet ready to develop the Entertainment industry. If they were, a few things would have already taken place. Here are a few things I brought to his attention.
1. We can’t speak about youth empowerment and employment if we don’t consider youths in the entertainment industry. The sector is dominated by youths, but there has never been any budgetary allocation for the “industry”. Clearly the Ministry of Tourism and Culture doesn’t consider the entertainment industry as a priority. Every time there’s a reaosn to seek any form of support, they have to look elsewhere. Government cannot help. This is why Minister in or out, there is no headway.
2. Every government has asked entertainment industry players to bring foward proposals. They know fully well that it will always end with the fight for “transport money”. If they want to help, they should assign technocrats to put together documents that will bring to life structures to help youths and young people. When they wanted to do it for education, they did. Same for Agriculture. Why not entertainment?
3. There is a difference between entertainment and enjoyment. If one needs the industry to thrive, it cannot be left as a pariah sector. Nothing is guaranteed so far. Just that every time there is a change in government, fingers will be pointed at who and who were “enjoying”, whilst others were suffering. Putting talent, investment and hardwork to nought.
4. If the industry is to develop, put the right people in the right places. One can have a great talent to sing, but can’t manage people or resources. Every time you fail to put a fit and proper person in position, the imminent failure is a deliberate ploy to keep us in perpetual darkness. The result of a failed entertainment sector clearly lies on the shoulders of those assigned to manage it.
What do we do? First things first. Recognize the sector as one that can bolster employment for youths and give it the attention it deserves. So far, all I see is an industry being used and dumped as and when politicians deem it fit. The reason is because the “price tag” to get the industry to align is very small. I believe the industry has sold itself short. Always had. If we are to move away from that position and move progressively for God and country, we have to recognize talents and make a wilful effort to help those talents.
The current beefs in the industry (artistes versus artistes, bloggers versus artistes and DJs versus artistes) is gaining momentum because of scarce and limited resources. The industry “na lossis”. That’s why a lot of folks resort to elimination tactics. The sky is always so big that it can accommodate everyone. Passion won’t put food on the table. Dedication and results take time, but support is essential. Support is what the industry isn’t getting.
It was good to sit and have what I’ll deem a frank discussion with a young man who is holding one of the nation’s highest. What will also be good, is to be honest to ourselves and walk the talk. It will be good to see work that can be felt by all practically and not just in words. I told the CM, “We wan see positive action”. I believe he took some notes down. If I see some fruits from our discussion, “Albarrka”. It will be good to see real strides to change the industry for good, atleast for once.
