Werrason is a new breed of 21st century entrepreneurial musicians as opposed to JB Mpiana who is to put it simply, just a singer. The obvious question then is, what do I mean when I describe Werrason as an “entrepreneurial musician”? I define entrepreneurship as innovative productive enterprise undertaken by a musician. The core elements of that definition are innovation, productivity and enterprise.
So how does Werrason embody those 3 qualities?
1. Innovation
Werrason develops innovative visions and walks distinctive paths with his music. Be it with introducing new musicians or new beats; his new music sounds fresh, he is compelling on stage, his concerts resound with inspired programming, and the choreographies are inspired and breath taking. Werrason is one musician who also recognises professional opportunities that others miss and thereby tap potent sources of income like he did with forays into world beats, the decalle sound and now the gbedu from Nigeria.
2. Productivity
The French word ‘entrepreneur’ translates as “one who undertakes.” Entrepreneurial musicians TAKE ACTION and work productively for years on end. Their steady creativity sets them apart from the would-be artists who are merely imaginative. Imagination alone produces nothing. Creative people work & Werrason does exactly that.
3. Entrepreneurial
Werrason has a business model for his music which he merged with his passion for music and created the practicalities of succeeding in the marketplace. Werrason creates musical products and services he believes in, and as we can now attest to, is also enthusiastically selling his work via diverse channels like Amazon, CD, live performances & exclusive downloads.
In such a cut-throat world where there are more musicians than ever, it is important to understand how to distinguish oneself from the pack and stand out and I think Werrason is a model musician from whom other Congolese musicians ought to learn.