The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has intervened
in the conflict between broadcasters and some Nigerian musicians.
The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and the Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (IBAN) banned the airplay of some selected Nigerian musicians over payment of royalties as demanded by the Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON. Some of the artistes affected by the ban include Tuface Idibia, D’banj, and Wizkid.
The PMAN, in a statement by its interim president, Kevin Lucciano, asked all parties involved to dialogue and resolve the controversy.
The association also called for the lifting of the ban describing it as unfair, demeaning and discouraging.
“The ban on airplay of these Nigerian artistes and their music on various Nigerian media platforms is from our standpoint very unfair, demeaning and discouraging.
“We all know without a doubt that these same artistes who have persevered and assisted us to build, today what is known as the Nigerian music industry, Africa’s biggest entertainment export to the world are the same people that are now being victimized,” the association said.
“With this action, the association foresees a situation where this ban will, rather than encourage well meaning members of the society, with musical talent to hone their craft and join the success story of the entertainment industry, reverse will be the case.
“We also foresee a situation where the bulk of the material that will be circulated on Nigerian airwaves will be foreign materials, celebrating alien artistes instead of embracing, home grown talent and our cultural heritage”.
The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and the Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (IBAN) banned the airplay of some selected Nigerian musicians over payment of royalties as demanded by the Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON. Some of the artistes affected by the ban include Tuface Idibia, D’banj, and Wizkid.
The PMAN, in a statement by its interim president, Kevin Lucciano, asked all parties involved to dialogue and resolve the controversy.
The association also called for the lifting of the ban describing it as unfair, demeaning and discouraging.
“The ban on airplay of these Nigerian artistes and their music on various Nigerian media platforms is from our standpoint very unfair, demeaning and discouraging.
“We all know without a doubt that these same artistes who have persevered and assisted us to build, today what is known as the Nigerian music industry, Africa’s biggest entertainment export to the world are the same people that are now being victimized,” the association said.
“With this action, the association foresees a situation where this ban will, rather than encourage well meaning members of the society, with musical talent to hone their craft and join the success story of the entertainment industry, reverse will be the case.
“We also foresee a situation where the bulk of the material that will be circulated on Nigerian airwaves will be foreign materials, celebrating alien artistes instead of embracing, home grown talent and our cultural heritage”.
