PMAN REJECTS SECRET REPEAL AND RE-ENACTMENT OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT

Published

2 years ago

July 2, 2021

The Performing Musicians’ Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has reacted to the news of the impending repeal and re-enactment of the Copyright Act (Cap. C.28 Law of the Federation of Nigeria) 2004.

PMAN’s reaction was based on the apparent speed and secrecy with which the Bill to repeal the Act and re-enact a new one was shrouded.

About two weeks ago, the media (both print and electronic) were agog with the news that the Bill to repeal and re-enact the Copyright Act 2004 2021 has passed second reading at the floor of the Senate.

PMAN hearing and reading this news, contacted notable groups and associations in the creative industry, particularly, the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), all which denied any knowledge of the Bill and its contents. We then became very apprehensive that some sinister motives are at play to halt and reverse the progress already made in the field of copyright administration and enforcement.

PMAN immediately wrote a formal letter to the Senate Leadership, specifically, the Senate President, the joint Chairmen of Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Trade and Investments, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, Senate Chief Whip among others, to express PMAN’s concern over a Bill that touches upon the livelihood and constitutional rights of Nigerian Musicians without their knowledge or input. PMAN’s simple request was that it should be availed of a copy of the Bill to at least know what it contains and if necessary, make input.

PMAN did not stop there; we wrote a letter to the sponsor of the Bill, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, expressing the same concern and requesting the Distinguished Senator to recall the Bill for stakeholders’ consideration. We received a very nice and swift reply from Senator Abiru who advised us to access the Bill from a link which he gave as www.nass.gv.ng. From our attempts, we discovered that the link does not exist and we used our initiative to access the National Assembly website and found that the said Bill was not among the posted Bills pending consideration before the National Assembly (both the Senate and the House of Representatives). We then rightly assumed that we were deliberately sent on a wild goose chase by the Distinguished Senator and came to the incontrovertible conclusion that certain forces are pushing the Bill secretly while trying to present the image that the process is open.

PMAN rejects this process in its entirety, noting that the Sponsor of the Bill, Senator Abiru, is not an author, painter, artist or a musician. As far as we know, we are not able to trace any interest to him that could be classified as copyright-related that would make him so interested in pushing a Bill that would affect the lives and constitutional rights of millions of Nigerian stakeholders without their knowledge and input.

We have contacted our allies in other organisations and associations and they expressed the same worries. Some have actually written to the Senate Leadership expressing their concerns.

Our concern is more fuelled by a recent Public Hearing held on 16th and 17th June 2021 by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values on the Bill to Repeal the National Film and Video Censor’s Board Act and Enact the National Film and Video Censorship, Classification and Exhibition Regulatory Commission Bill 2019 in its place. Up to the date of that Public Hearing, stakeholders in the industry were not aware of the Bill and its contents.

PMAN is stating for the umpteenth time and the records that the works of our intellects, which consist of literary works, musical works, artistic works, cinematograph films, sound recordings and our performances are our private property. They are our Constitutional and Fundamental Human Rights. Any attempt to tamper with them with a view to appropriate them for anybody or authority be it private or public shall be resisted.

PMAN calls on other stakeholders in the entire creative industry to rise and team up for the defence of their moral and economic rights.

PMAN also calls on the leadership of the National Assembly both at the Senate and House of Representatives to thread softly on these Bills until the real stakeholders have made their inputs and had their say.

Thank you.

Pretty Okafor

President

29 June 2021.

Entertainment

Remembering MOHBAD, an Underrated Nigerian Artist

Published

1 week ago

September 13, 2023

CelebrityPlus

The heartbreaking news of Mohbad’s passing on September 12, 2023, left a deep void in the Nigerian music scene. Mohbad was undoubtedly one of the most underrated talents in the industry, and his departure is a painful loss to the world of music.

Mohbad’s journey in the music industry was marked by a fierce determination to make his mark. He faced challenges within his record label, where he believed he was not receiving the promotion he deserved. It was evident to him, as well as his growing fan base, that he possessed a wealth of talent waiting to be unleashed.

His music was a testament to his artistry. While some criticized Nigerian musicians for lacking substance, Mohbad’s songs were a shining exception. It was this depth in his music that drew me to become a fan. I first took notice of him when he delivered a powerful cover of Kizz Daniel’s ‘Fvck U.’ As a dedicated rap enthusiast, I recognized the profound thinking that went into his lyrics. Lines like ‘MALLAM na Mallan even ti e ba spell e la ti eyin,’ which translates to ‘A MALLAM will always be Mallam even if it’s spelled backward,’ showcased his lyrical prowess.

Mohbad initially made a name for himself as a rapper but transitioned into a lamba artist to reach a wider audience. This strategic move bore fruit when he released ‘Ko Po Ke,’ a song that became a massive hit. After joining Marlian Records, he continued to build a rich catalog of music.

Despite the challenges he faced, Mohbad remained resilient. He recently released a new album, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. Tragically, he lost his life while promoting this album, which had the potential to propel him to the heights he truly deserved in the industry.

Before parting ways with his former label, Mohbad had endured a great deal, and his health had suffered as a result. He was diagnosed with hypertension, a stark reminder of the toll his pursuit of musical greatness had taken on his well-being.

In tribute to Mohbad, let us remember his undeniable talent, his commitment to creating meaningful music, and the resilience he displayed throughout his journey. He may have left us too soon, but his music will continue to resonate with his fans and serve as a testament to his enduring legacy in Nigerian music.

By Timilehin Ajagunna

Business

ZENITH BANK APPOINTS DR. JULIET EHIMUAN AS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Published

3 weeks ago

August 29, 2023

CelebrityPlus

The Board of Directors of Zenith Bank Plc has appointed Dr. Juliet Ehimuan as a Non-Executive Director of the bank effective August 29, 2023. The appointment, which was announced in a statement to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, has also be confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.Dr Juliet Ehimuan is the Founder and CEO of Beyond Limits and the immediate past Director of Google West Africa.

She was named by Forbes as one of the top 20 power women in Africa, by the London Business School as one of 30 people changing the world, and as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD). She was also featured in the BBC Africa Power Women series, and on CNN Innovate Africa.With over 25 years experience primarily in Technology, Oil & Gas, and New Media industries across Europe, Middle East and Africa; Juliet is a leading voice on Innovation, Transformation, and Leadership.During her remarkable 12-year tenure at Google, Juliet played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s presence in Nigeria and the wider West Africa region. She championed initiatives to increase digital access, local content development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurial growth, innovation, and fostered strategic partnerships with leading private sector and government institutions.Dr Juliet has made significant contributions to the tech ecosystem in Nigeria and Africa at large. She served on committees that developed the national broadband plan and ICT incubation strategy in Nigeria, and has been involved in national strategic advisory groups focused on economic growth. These engagements demonstrate her commitment to shaping the future of tech in Africa. She has received numerous awards for outstanding contribution to the digital landscape in Africa.

She holds board positions across multiple industries including Finance, FMCG, Oil & Gas, Education and social enterprises.Her education includes a Doctoral degree in Business from Walden University in Minneapolis, an Executive MBA from the London Business School, a Postgraduate degree in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge; and a BSc in Computer Engineering (1st class honours) from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. She is a recipient of the London Business School Global Women’s Scholarship, and at Cambridge University was awarded Selwyn College Scholar and Malaysian Commonwealth Scholar. She is a Fellow of the Cambridge Commonwealth Society.She was awarded IT Personality of the Year in 2012 by the Nigeria Computer Society, Digital Personality of the year 2016 by Marketing World; and received a 2015 Titans of Technology award from Technology Africa. She is a published Author, Executive Coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaches’ Council.