The music industry is on the verge of breakdown
The coronavirus pandemic has had a multifaceted impact worldwide. As a result of it, we had to surrender helplessly to an invisible virus and people of all classes have been defeated by a sneeze or a dry cough. Now very unexpectedly, people have to walk everywhere wearing masks. The world's economy, politics, religion, science, research, education, literature, and culture have been severely affected.
Shopping complexes, markets, trade, and commerce are almost closed. Political discussions and meetings are also closed. Nowhere was such a religious gathering observed indoors or outdoors. Research activities at various international reputed universities also came to a standstill. The closure of almost all educational institutions has created a generation gap in education. In our country, students have been passed in a special system called `autopass`. Of course, there was no alternative to do anything for the students like poor country as Bangladesh. But as a result, our students are likely to fall behind in international merit-based competitions in the coming days. Even if you get a scholarship or a job outside the country, there are different views on whether it can be maintained automatically.
Due to the pandemic, mosques, madrasas, churches, pagodas, temples and other religious places of worship have been closed down in most countries. In our country, as an exception, everything is open to a limited extent. However, coronavirus is no longer attacking our country to a limited extent. Covid-19 is now engaged in large-scale attacks.
The pandemic's impact on the cultural sphere is also severe. From open concerts to domestic events, all activities have been shut down. At one time, various cultural activities were celebrated spontaneously in different literary organizations, but now it has been completely suspended. However, various organizations are trying to spread the word about economics, politics, literature and culture online and through YouTube. But these activities are not just for those who are addicted to music; moreover this is their professions too. They have also fallen into various economic problems.
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the cultural scene around the world. As a result, artisans, who depend on this industry, are plagued by unspeakable economic problems. Many are changing professions. Many are starving to death.
The music industry, on the other hand, is facing huge financial losses worldwide. According to the World Economic Forum, the six-month lockdown caused a loss of about 10 billion USD. The World Economic Forum has released a picture of the revenue earnings of the global music industry. It shows that the music industry generated 24.15 billion USD in revenue in 2014. As such, in 2021, there were opportunities to generate 29.61 billion USD. But because of Covid-19, it will not be able to exceed 10 billion USD. It is apprehensive that even 4-5 billion in revenue will not be generated. In addition, millions of pre-scheduled concerts have been canceled. Many times the expectant company pays in advance. They are not getting that money back. It is not possible to do a concert again. As a consequence, various chaotic environment is being created in the society due to economic reasons.
Millions of workers are depended on the music industry worldwide. Many of them have lost their jobs now. Those who used to live beautiful, healthy cultural lives, are very destitute today. There is no one to stand by them. So at the moment there is a need for rapid vaccination of cultural workers, financial support and overall efforts to save the music industry.
The author is an enlisted lyricist at Bangladesh Betar and Television.
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