NAMM Foundation Grantee Spotlight: Anafima
ANAFIMA, Associação Nacional da Indústria da Música, is the Brazilian music industry association that serves over 1,200 people annually across Brazil. A first-time NAMM Foundation grantee, ANAFIMA has utilized the grant to increase Brazil’s participation in Music Teaching Week, which aims to use education as an instrument to generate a passion for music and Make Music Day. NAMM interviewed the association's president, Daniel Neves, about his experiences in expanding the Brazilian music industry.
For those who are not familiar with Anafima, can you share your background and the vision / mission for the organization?
ANAFIMA (Brazilian Music Industry Association) was founded to help facilitate the Brazilian musical market’s growth. We work with companies to help them learn and share best management practices and offer business-building resources. The association is split into four main categories: musical instruments, pro audio, installations, and car audio. Each category has its own goals and objectives proposed by its members. Currently, ANAFIMA is the biggest association in Brazil and it represents companies of all different sizes. You can learn more about the association here.
What are some of your goals for the next five years?
Personally, I would like to continue my engagement with music companies and help them with their market growth. A lot of these companies don’t realize that the music industry is much bigger than they have imagined. Some of my goals are to amplify the awareness of music making, demonstrate to new generations that music is part of the entertainment industry, and show them how a career in these fields can be profitable when their skills and professionalism are utilized. In the next five years, I hope that the work we are doing with our member companies will be an investment that will help them expand into an international level.
How does working with the NAMM Foundation benefit Anafima?
Partnering with the NAMM Foundation helps us reach many of our goals. Our organization shares the same values as the NAMM Foundation, so we make sure to reinforce ideas and resources in everything that we do for our country. Furthermore, attending The NAMM Show makes a big impact to the work that we do because it helps us to stay connected and inspired. We are also able to collaborate ideas and resources for the annual Make Music Day celebration.
In the past, what are some challenges that you have seen for Brazilian / South American music and pro audio companies?
Brazilians have an entrepreneurial spirit, but many companies in the past have only focused their efforts on the local market. With NAMM and Apex Brazil’s support, ANAFIMA will be able to promote more exhibition experiences and push manufacturers to target the international market. Step by step, we are helping the industry think more about product design, investment in technology, and manufacturing processes on a global level.
Why should NAMM Members be interested in working in the Brazilian / South American market?
NAMM members should be interested in our market because we have many great products and brands that will inspire them. Many people complain about the high taxes of Brazil and use it as an excuse to do nothing because of the new export strategy. In fact, they need to understand that countries with high taxes, such as Brazil and Russia, are used to paying these taxes in order to buy a product. Products that inspire people to play more music are more than welcome into our market. Based on what I have seen, many international brands still act as if were still in the 80s or 90s. Our world is changing and people need to see how we can impact their business globally.
With your involvement with Make Music Day, what are some special events you plan on conducting?
There are many music shops in Brazil that are going to promote the event this year. We are asking every music leader in each city, town and state to create their own version of Make Music Brazil. Also, there are many schools that have agreed to participate in Make Music Day. I’m also hoping to connect with more music therapists to participate in the event because I believe that there is a strong relationship between music and health.
What activities are planned for the Brazilian / South American market for Make Music Day?
The event in Brazil will have many music shops and schools providing free classes and workshops. There are also many public schools that join us on that day. I am also lucky to be work with many well-known leaders in Brazil to help us with the event. This year we expect to host the largest ever national event to support music and music education in Brazil’s history.