Proper structures will empower creatives

Everyone has a talent; the only difference is whether it is identified or not. If identified, then the only prudent thing to do is nurture it to fruition.

Millions of people in the world are living their best lives, thanks to their diverse talents. Talent identification, nurturing and utilisation has seen many people beat the vagaries of life, to live their dream.

This year’s annual National Music Festivals will culminate in a week’s time, with the finals currently underway at the Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology in Nyeri county.

And from what has been displayed, all the way from sub-county levels, the music fete has exposed numerous musical talents amongst our pupils and students.

The reinstatement by the government of Art and Music as examinable subjects in school has been long overdue. Indeed, the scrapping of the two subjects (adding to Agriculture) in the previous 8-4-4 curriculum was an insult to Kenyans, especially those who hold arts with utmost respect.

The mastery of the cultural and lingual diversity expressed through the folk songs and dances by the young performers, is a testament enough that the country’s creative industry has the potential to go further, but only with appropriate institutional, policy and regulatory reforms.

With such reforms, Kenya’s creative industry could become a key catalyst to economic growth. So, the need to identify and give the arts talent the necessary support cannot just be brushed aside.

The required infrastructure, including legislative and legal framework, must be put in place if we are to enjoy the robustness and reap maximum economic benefits provided for by the sector’s potential.

The modern musical landscape of Kenya, as illustrated by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, is one of the most diverse and vibrant of all African countries.

But under-investment, ineffective management of intellectual property rights, and rampant piracy has prevented the industry from realising its full economic potential.

Royalties collection mechanisms and policies have been identified as some of the bottlenecks that continue to condemn Kenyan artistes to squalor.

However, there is a glimmer of hope for the millions of active and potential musicians, thanks to the fast-growing digital space.