Nigeria: AFRIMAs spearhead industry reforms talks

It follows its call for the formalisation of the industry last month in the wake of the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.

The event, moderated by veteran artist manager Efe Omorogbe, ran under the theme Identification of Internal and External Regulatory Mechanisms to Smoothen the Working Relationship among Various Stakeholders and Subgroups in the Music Industry. 

It was facilitated in partnership with key industry bodies including the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Record Label Proprietors Initiative (RELPI), the Association of Music Artist Managers of Nigeria (AMAMN) and Music Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN).

The summit also gathered up to 60 industry stakeholders including prominent figures like Dr Kenny Ogungbe, Sunny Neji, Pretty Okafor, Olumide Mustapha, Sijuade Adedokun and Chinedu Chukwuji.

In his welcome address, AFRIMAs president Mike Dada underlined the commitment of the awards organisation to collaborate with industry players to find lasting solutions to the myriad of problems facing the creative industry in Africa, starting with Nigeria. He said the shocking passing of Mohbad has become a trigger to push the narrative for a change in a sector yearning for growth.

The participants identified several pressing issues, including the lack of information for newcomers, artist exploitation by record labels and the absence of industry-specific regulations to ensure fair contracts and revenue sharing. Additionally, issues like contractual disputes, a lack of cooperation among industry players, and the mental health of artists were discussed as major concerns.

To address these challenges, the meeting adopted a series of resolutions and action plans. Key among them include:

• Using legislation as a crucial tool for a successful music industry – to shape dynamics, safeguard rights, promote innovation, and ensure fairness.
• Call to reach out to other sectoral bodies not represented for future discussions.
• Proposal to establish a four-man ad hoc committee of legal practitioners to assess current sectoral body mandates and recommend strengthening of legal instruments.
• Consideration of forming a committee with government representatives to develop a legal framework for a music institute, subject to further discussion.
• Emphasis on artists joining relevant organisations for their protection and advancement.
• Urgent need for an umbrella body to consolidate sectoral bodies within the music industry for increased collaboration.
• Encouragement of continuous education and engagement of sectoral bodies regarding roles, responsibilities, obligations and benefits in the music industry.

The summit concluded with a commitment to hold another edition within a month, which stakeholders say signals a collective determination to address the sector’s challenges and promote its sustainable growth.