The preservation of the Democratic Republic of Congo's musical heritage requires the documentation and digitization of old musical works, according to Makanzu Valentino, a Congolese musician. He emphasized that this is crucial to prevent the loss of recordings and to preserve the memory of Congolese music. The conservation of old music supports is a significant challenge, particularly due to the risks of degradation or loss of certain works.
Makanzu Valentino highlighted the importance of documenting each work, including its author, creation date, history, and rights holders. This documentation would enable artists who want to revisit old works to understand their origin and identify the rightful interlocutors to obtain authorization for their use. He cited the example of the song "Kitamata," which was re-interpreted by Fally Ipupa in his album "XX Délirium."
The case of "Kitamata" illustrates the need for clear agreements and documentation when reusing old works, according to Valentino. Beyond the initial contact with the rights holders, it is essential to establish and document agreements to prevent future claims. This issue goes beyond the conservation of works and concerns the conditions under which contemporary artists can reuse them.
Makanzu Valentino also stressed the importance of transmitting the history of old works to young creators and educating them about the rules governing their use. This would ensure that the musical heritage continues to thrive without creating new conflicts. As an artist, Valentino is committed to promoting Congolese music and protecting the rights of creators.
Makanzu Valentino, also known as Mak Valentino, is a Congolese musician, author, composer, singer, and interpreter. Born and raised in Kolwezi, in the Lualaba province, he comes from a Kongo family. His musical career includes a collaboration with the group Cultura Pays Vie, led by Félix Wazekwa, in 2013.
Valentino has also spoken out against the unauthorized distribution of musical works and highlighted the potential of karaoke to promote artists when done with respect for their rights. His efforts aim to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the rights of creators in the Congolese music industry.
The Congolese music scene is taking steps to address these issues, with a focus on promoting and preserving the country's rich musical heritage. The documentation and digitization of old works are crucial steps towards achieving this goal, and musicians like Makanzu Valentino are playing a key role in advocating for these efforts.
Key points
- The DRC needs to document and digitize old musical works to preserve its musical heritage.
- Clear agreements and documentation are necessary when reusing old musical works.
- Educating young creators about the rules governing the use of old works is essential to prevent conflicts.
