Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Vice-President of CISAC and one of the world’s most influential singer-songwriters, is calling for Fair Play for creators to support the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Her call for more investment, strengthened digital rights, better education and tougher enforcement of copyright laws was published in UNESCO’s report “Shaping Culture” on 8 February 2022. In UNESCO’s flagship publication, Re|Shaping Policies […]
/ 15/02/2022 / Kristian DugstadYvonne Chaka Chaka, Vice President of CISAC and one of the world's most influential singer-songwriters, calls for Fair play for creators, to support the path back after the COVID-19 pandemic. Her call for more investment, strengthened digital rights, better education and tougher enforcement of copyright laws was published in UNESCO’s report “Shaping Culture” on February 8, 2022.
In UNESCO's flagship publication, Re|Shaping Policies for Creativity – Addressing culture as a global public good, the only one of its kind, presents insightful new data that sheds light on emerging trends at a global level, with policy recommendations to foster creative ecosystems that contribute to a sustainable world by 2030 and beyond.
You can read Yvonne Chaka Chaka's text from the report here:
I've been fortunate to have had a fantastic career as a singer-songwriter. It's gratifying to know how my music has entertained and inspired people around the world. But I want to be more than just an artist.
My success has given me a platform that I can use to empower others – those who have the talent and drive to make a living from their art, but who are disenfranchised by a system that neither plays fair nor pays fairly.
Music and entertainment is business. Of course, the industry is full of stories about the rich, the famous, and the powerful. However, that's not what matters to me. Far more important is unlocking the talents of the next generation: the young, ambitious creators who don't have the freedom, or sufficient knowledge of their rights, to succeed.
Creators live incredibly fragile lives. The Covid crisis has shown us that. Vast numbers have lost their livelihoods – their homes, their cars, and their ability to feed their families. Lockdowns have been particularly brutal for people who rely on concerts and entertainment for public audiences. Female creators have also been disproportionately hit, and efforts for gender equality have suffered a setback.
As we try to chart a path to recovery, those responsible for the working conditions of artists and creators – producers, broadcasters, digital services, public policymakers and others – are now in the spotlight. This is a time to value culture with actions, not words. It is a time for investment in young creators; strong rights for the digital world; education so creators understand their rights; and tougher enforcement of copyright laws by governments that often turn a blind eye to such matters.
Fair chance; fair play; fair pay. It's a call to action.
Culture is the wealth of future generations. This is especially true in Africa, one of the regions in the world with the greatest musical talent. As Covid has shown us, Africa also has one of the most fragile cultural sectors. That is why I am dedicated to my work in roles as Vice President of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers and founder of the 100% female project “Woman Radio” in South Africa.
I am convinced that this report highlights a number of opportunities that can impact the lives of creators around the world.
This article is a translation from English.
Also see Yvonne Chaka Chaka in this video: