Challenges in the Music Industry
The music industry faces an increase of economic and digital challenges today. Large corporations dominate Web2 platforms, such as YouTube and Spotify... Favoring popular music and celebrities over artistic quality, while musicians receive insignificant revenues from digital streaming with little transparency.
Web3 and Blockchain
Simultaneously, decentralized Web3 and blockchain technology present new visions for technology usage and democratic access. They offer solutions that could reshape the current unjust economic model, introducing collective governance through blockchain-based smart contracts and ensuring digital ownership rights for artists.
Education Divide and Global Opportunities
However, the rapid technological advancements are not matched by globally equitable educational systems, and language barriers might be one of the obstacles. This disparity in information availability creates an educational divide, leading to unequal opportunities worldwide, especially in technological fields.
Integrating Web3 and Blockchain for Sustainable Impact
As blockchain and Web3 technologies are still in the stages of experimentation and development, it becomes imperative to embark on this journey right from its inception. By integrating these technologies into our local communities, especially within our cultural spheres, we aim for lasting and desired outcomes, such as freedom of expression, equal opportunities, safeguarding artistic rights, and exploring pathways of decentralized governance.
Research and Knowledge Building
During our research process, we conducted meetings and surveys with Arab musicians to identify the economic and digital challenges they face. We also reviewed and studied various Arab and global tech initiatives in the blockchain and Web3 fields, specifically in music. Additionally, we explored Arab laws and policies concerning these technologies.
Fostering Supportive Communities for Web3 Adoption
Through this research, we found several key points, one of which highlights the practical difficulty of applying Web3 systems in the music and cultural fields in Arabic speaking countries without fostering a supportive community that understands these technologies and adopts a critical stance based on knowledge and experience.
Promoting Equitable Digital Education and Fostering Dialogue
Due to the lack of sufficient and accessible information about these technologies, the scarcity of Arab initiatives interested in this field, and the absence of government support in adopting these technologies in many Arab countries, we realized the importance of launching Mawjat Lab alongside the music streaming platform. The lab aims to empower musicians and cultural actors in the Arab region, enabling them to comprehend the potential of Web3 and blockchain while forming their own perspectives. Moreover, it provides equal and equitable technological education opportunities for all.