Situation des musiciens : « C’est la catastrophe »
Beneath the lights of Dakar's chic parties, a much darker reality lurks: the Senegalese music scene is going through a deep crisis, weakened by the economic climate. While nightclubs like the "Baramundi" still shine with splendor, artists struggle to make a living from their art, notes L'Observateur.
According to the same source, fees have drastically decreased, sponsorships have almost disappeared, and events are rare. The majority of musicians today perform almost voluntarily, simply to remain visible. The economic crisis has changed public priorities, reducing concert attendance and corporate budgets for sponsoring or organizing events.
Interviewed by L'Observateur, Alain Teixeira (Prince Art) and Makhtar Diop (Soubatel Music) describe an industry that is running out of steam: even the most well-known artists, such as Pape Diouf and Sidy Diop, are having to scale back their ambitions.
"Fees have melted away, events are being canceled due to lack of funds. Today, many artists can no longer make a living from music alone," confides Makhtar Diop. Alain Teixeira adds: "It's a disaster. If you organize an evening hoping for 1,000 people like a few years ago, you'll barely see 200."
To survive, many artists are turning to private performances (weddings, baptisms), side hustles, or digital (streaming, social media). Some, like VJ, are managing to thrive thanks to an innovative strategy and a strong online presence.
But the root of the problem remains cultural: in Senegal, music consumption is poorly monetized. Wanted, a VJ manager, explains: "We have a cultural consumption problem. The public doesn't pay for culture. Even those who can afford it prefer to ask for free invitations."
Commentaires (14)
La vie est dure partout dans le monde.
Il est temps de réduire votre train de vie
Conduire de grosses voitures en habitant dans des appartements de luxe et crier que Sénégal est dure c'est de vous tromper..
Les enfants vont à l'école dans des abris provisoires... Belles voitures, belles filles... Voilà tout ce qui les intéresse... Ils n'investissent que dans le bling bling...
Travaillez votre musique avec plus d'inventivité si vous voulez en vivre, le sambambayaaan ne payera plus.
Quand vous dites
le digital (streaming, réseaux sociaux). Certains, comme VJ, réussissent à tirer leur épingle du jeu grâce à une stratégie innovante et une forte présence en ligne.
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