Artistes to get a CD factory
A new CD production factory will be built in Nairobi next year to boost young and upcoming musicians.
This is part of a Sh300 million loan deal by the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.
The deal will also see artistes get loans to finance music production with a proposed six months grace period.
“The loan products target young musicians. There will be a pool of experienced artistes who will be paid allowances to mentor the beneficiaries,” said the Fund’s chairman Gor Semelang’o.
Mr Semelang’o said the Fund recognised music as a viable business.
“We are keen to help the youth turn their hobbies and talents into profitable ventures. We want discipline in art because there is money to be made there,” he said.
The interested artistes will get at least Sh500,000 to get equipment.
Musicians who attended the launch lamented lack of recognition by the government and said the gesture would boost young artists.
Tusker Project Fame judge Ian Mbugua asked for serious vetting of the sponsored productions.
“There is no point of having many productions that lack quality. We would rather have few but of high standards,” said Mr Mbugua.
Famous musician Nonini called for establishment of structures and regulations in the industry.
“We need to have one source of command – a regulator who organises the industry. As it is, people are doing their own things in the manner they know best,” he said.