I think there is a gross misrepresentation of our industry size, says Roshan Abbas at first EEMA NAC Meeting

Ruhail Amin Jul 21, 2020

At the first NEC meeting of the new EEMA leadership, Roshan Abbas, President EEMA and MD, Encompass and Co-Founder Komune shared his action plan for the next few months.

In his inaugural address, Abbas spoke about the review process of the past committees and engaging with regional partners.

“From the time of taking over we have had meetings with the three regions reviewing their plans. Each region has presented amazing ideas and initiatives. My compliments to Aarti, Vijay and Martin. We also met and understood the secretariat role and function with our GM Prakash Narayanan”, Abbas told the NEC members.

He also shared that he has been speaking to The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS), a copyright society that has several musicians as members, and music companies associated with the same and taken up digital streaming issues with them. It must be mentioned that IPRS in its recent statement had said that it will charge artists or organisers live streaming performances a ₹20,000 fee, plus taxes.

Abbas also spoke about the previous EEMA leadership and their immense contribution.

“Sanjoy made some excellent introductions to the ministry of culture, ICCR, British Council etc. We have also been making ready our government appeal and I will be sharing a form to get your true estimate of the industry. Samit Garg has been working on the same. I think there is a gross misrepresentation of our size which makes others not take what we do seriously."

He also underlined that the EEMA constitution was under review. “We have well worked out drafts from the past NEC. This week will be spent in reviewing the drafts and suggestions.”

Abbas also spoke about EEMA's focus on virtual events and about the new EEMA advisory on virtual events. “EEMA advisory on virtual events will be out this week. Thanks to the excellent work done by some of our members. Two virtual marketplaces were presented to me and some others are under review this week.”