The House of Representatives has urged the Nigeria Copyright Commission to safeguard the musical legacy of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely recognised as Mohbad, by protecting his song lyrics and intellectual property rights.
It was on Tuesday, during the plenary session in Abuja, that this decision took shape, spurred by Rep. Babajimi Benson’s motion.
Benson, during the plenary session, drew attention to the fact that the abrupt demise of Mohbad on September 12 has triggered broad-ranging conversations and protests.
He mentioned that the youth have been energetically rallying behind his name and demanding a thorough investigation. This culminated in a tribute concert that saw the presence of diverse musicians. He stressed that it’s evident that Mohbad’s fans are struggling to come to grips with his untimely demise.
He continued by pointing out that Mohbad, also called Imole, which translates to “light” in Yoruba, was an artist who dedicated his music to advocating for peace and positivity.
Benson stressed that Mohbad’s departure from Marlian Records, a label owned by Naira Marley, in 2022 was a result of various grievances, notably unpaid royalties. He pointed out that this situation mirrors a more extensive issue where artists struggle to assert their rights.
He continued to explain that this incident reveals a concerning industry norm, exemplifying the difficulties that young artists in Nigeria have to contend with. He pointed out that these artists often become entangled in exploitative contracts and encounter intimidation when trying to terminate these agreements.
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He furthered his point by stating that Mohbad’s case is reflective of a common problem, as many artists in the country find themselves in unfavorable contractual arrangements.
Benson pointed out that the absence of creative freedom and financial growth opportunities for artists can result in conflicts, and in some cases, even violence.
He elaborated that numerous Nigerian artists are compelled to enter unfair contracts due to the lack of significant institutional support in the music industry, underscoring the necessity of addressing this matter for the industry’s long-term progress and viability.
Benson voiced his worry that a significant portion of the deceased artist’s income was flowing into the coffers of the Marlian Music Group, with no apparent measures taken to safeguard his estate, despite his international acclaim as a digital artist.
In a tribute to Mohbad, the House emphasized the need to safeguard the rights of young artists in their contractual dealings with record labels. They called for rigorous oversight of the investigation into Mohbad’s death, especially concerning allegations of harassment and unpaid royalties.
Additionally, the House called upon the NCC to work in conjunction with record labels, artists, legal professionals, and industry associations to create and implement comprehensive industry-wide standards.
These guidelines must secure fair and transparent treatment for artists, along with adequate compensation. Moreover, they should encompass a thorough examination of Nigeria’s prevailing copyright and contract legislation to pinpoint areas in need of adjustment
Moreover, the House has charged its Committee on Justice and Legislative Compliance with the role of monitoring compliance with these guidelines.