‘Nigerian Music Industry Collective’ unveiled at 2nd emergency meeting

By Godwin Okondo

IN a significant development designed to shape the industry better, key players from various sectors of the Nigerian music industry gathered for the second emergency meeting that was hosted virtually by the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) on Monday, February 12, 2024, to address critical issues that would shape the future of Nigerian music industry. AFRIMA President Mr. Mike Dada led the collaborative meeting with prominent industry bodies, including the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Record Label Proprietors Initiative (RELPI), Association of Music Artiste Managers of Nigeria (AMAMN), Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), Music Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN), and other influential figures activelt taking part.

Some of the influential figures present included Mr. Efe Omorogbe, who moderated the first and second sessions, Mr. Agboola Sikiru Ayinde, Mr. Mayowa Ayilaran, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, PMAN president Mr. Pretty Okafor, Mr. Olumide Osundolire, Mrs. Isioma Idigbe, Bada Gbenga, S.Dot, Victoria Nkong, Mike, Mr. Ige Adeniyi Johnson, Mr. Ige Rotimi, Mr. Sola Dada, Mr. Tofarati Ige, Mr. Kenny Ogungbe, Obasijuade, Adejuwon Osuniyi, Alex Oseji, Ara and Mr. Olisa Adibua.

The establishment of an industry-wide coalition was the prime focus of the meeting. After careful consideration, the name ‘Nigerian Music Industry Collective’ emerged with eight votes, surpassing ‘Music Industry Coalition’ that garnered five votes.

Also, a decision was reached to initiate operations as an initial loose association and deferring formal registration, with emphasis on refining legal and operational mechanisms for the prospective establishment of an academy dedicated to the music industry.

President of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada

Also, a significant move was the decision to form a working committee responsible for exploring funding, operational modalities, and membership eligibility. The committee comprises of leaders from constituent associations/organizations, and the committee also aims to finalize a draft announcement statement as soon as practicable.

Efe Omorogbe acknowledged the efforts of Isioma Idigbe and Punuka Partners in drafting minimum standard agreement templates. However, concerns were raised about including COSON due to its lack of an operating license, with a vote on the matter scheduled for the next meeting.

Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde moved for the adoption of the recommendation document, seconded by Mr. Mike Dada. Dr. Kenny Ogungbe proposed the adjournment of the meeting, seconded by Alhaji Sikiru.

The gathering marks a pivotal step toward unity and collaboration within the Nigerian music industry, setting the stage for the establishment of the Nigerian Music Industry Collective.

Last year the first emergency meeting on October 1, 2023 was convened to thrash out serious issues plaguing the Nigerian music industry. The emergency meeting was at the behest of the untimely death of Afrobeat rising star Mohbad. At that first virtual meeting, TheArtHubNg (www.thearthubng.com) had reported that Mr. Dada had “challenged those at the meeting to think up strategies that match the challenges that have emanated from the growth and dramatic changes that have happened in the music sector over the years. He sued for strategies that are all-embracing to all sub-groups like artiste managers, record label owners, artistes, etc. At the end, it was resolved that there was a need to look at the mandates of the sub-groups with their leaderships being brought into constant conversation. The aim being to refashion a new mandate and structure that harmonise disparate bodies within the music industry in what is akin to an ‘Act of Parliament’, as Dada termed it.”

The online platform had further provided context to the emergency meeting when it reported, “But while this music storm (Afrobeats) is rising higher, there’s an ugly under-current that is hidden from the public. Indeed, there’s a storm brewing that bubbled over about a month ago when news filtered in that one of its fast-rising stars Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, with Mohbad as stage name, tragically passed away in murky circumstances that are still unfolding, with police investigation yet to be concluded. But pointers to contractual issues gone awry form part of the sad narratives flooding the news media. Aloba’s musical journey from first being Imole (light), as a gospel singer to Mohbad (I’m bad) as Afrobeats singer and his eventual tragic death is stuff fit for fiction. But this is for real.”