MadagascarS Artists Face a Silent Struggle for Survival
Antananarivo, Madagascar – Beneath teh vibrant cultural scene, Malagasy artists are battling a precarious existence marked by a lack of legal status and social protection. A growing chorus of voices reveals a stark reality: many artists operate without health coverage, insurance, or any safety net in times of illness, accident, or even childbirth [[1]].
“Zero status,” artist Rossy succinctly describes the situation. This sentiment is echoed by Jazz MMC, who notes colleagues have been forced to rely on public appeals to fund medical care. While performance fees represent the primary income source, these earnings are often inconsistent and insufficient to ensure long-term financial security. The average performance fee is approximately two million ariary, paid by event organizers, with supplemental income sometimes derived from commercial partnerships, advertising, or brand ambassadorships.
Some artists are proactively seeking structure, registering with organizations like CNAPS and Ostia, as highlighted by singer Samoëla and her company, Be Mozik. However, this remains a minority approach, hampered by the absence of a comprehensive national legal framework.The Malagasy Copyright Office (OMDA) acknowledges its limited mandate in addressing these systemic issues.
this situation underscores a broader concern about Madagascar’s socio-economic challenges [[3]], as the country continues to grapple with issues impacting its creative workforce. The lack of support for artists not only threatens their livelihoods but also risks stifling Madagascar’s rich cultural heritage.Keywords: madagascar, artists, social protection, copyright, OMDA, CNAPS, Ostia, cultural policy, precarious work, Malagasy music, arts funding.
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