After hunting down some information on them, here is what I summed up about BOMU:
- It is ideally supposed to be a structure that protects and represents interests of musicians and their families (“where human resources permit – what?).
- In its write-up on the arts website, BOMU is supposed to also promote the education of musician as well as coordinate workshops and counseling to promote high professional standards and healthy lifestyle of musicians.
- “To ensure that all laws of the country and policies of government and country serve the best interests of the musicians, and to agitate for the review or abolition of those laws and policies that are injurious to the economic, political and social interests of the musicians and other artists.”
Okay, so I think I get it but then it would be ideal for me to have sat down with the spokesperson but I did not want to have a bias, semi-defensive conversation with the dude. Besides who am I? I am a concerned artist – granted. So the next question is: what criteria do they use to host awards? What is the procedure etc…
The Secretary-General of BOMU announced last month that the awards are to take place at the end of November or the beginning of December and it will be of international standard. After discussions, a new constitution was made and a decision was made to engage the corporate world in terms of organizing and marketing the awards.
A few years ago, an article was published addressing the music industry and how it is being threatened. Reasons for these were the global recession increasing fuel prices, new media such as digital downloads and liquor trading hours that have negatively affected music shows.
Back to the issue of criteria for the award show, I think we should have our own checklist so it is easier to validate whether award nominees deserve to be nominated for their respective categories:
- Are they original in both vocal material and instrumental sound?
- Do bands and performers demonstrate a unique recognizable sound?
- Do they have impressive subject matter?
Ideal nomination process should be something like this:
- Nominations can be submitted by artists or record labels.
- There should be a nominating and screening committee to review the nominations.
- A ballot needs to be created by different entities such as artists, record labels, managers, radio or news organizations.
- Ideally, a certified public accountant should be involved in tabulating (count and record) the voting results.
- A number of nominees are to be selected for each category and released to the public and artists.
On a less skeptical side, the BOMU also said that they have proposed that more categories be included into the awards such as the best journalist from print and electronic media, most listened to (they need to consider labeling differently), most downloaded (woooow – I know that will go to the hip-hop guys, sorry Kennedy Thal) and best radio station. In addition to these proposals, they said they if budget is complimentary then they will consider increasing the monetary awards for the winners.
So, now that we know what to look out for I suppose in the name of good sportsmanship let us wish the new BOMU good luck and hope that we will see more communication from them. We have the checklist so we now know what to expect, step – by- step.
