The House of Representatives has summoned the Nigeria Copyright Commission to safeguard the rights of the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely recognized as Mohbad, and his musical creations.
This decision transpired during Tuesday’s plenary session in Abuja, initiated by Rep. Babajimi Benson.
Benson underscored the extensive discussions and protests that followed Mohbad’s sudden demise on September 12, with the youth fervently demanding an investigation.
These passionate expressions culminated in a tribute concert attended by numerous musicians, indicative of the struggle his fans face in coming to terms with his untimely passing.
Benson further noted that Mohbad, also known as Imole (meaning “light” in Yoruba), was an artist who championed peace and positivity through his music.
The representative emphasized that Mohbad’s departure from Marlian Records, owned by Naira Marley, in 2022 was driven by various grievances, including unpaid royalties, exemplifying a broader issue where artists encounter challenges in asserting their rights.
This situation shed light on a concerning industry practice, revealing the hardships encountered by young Nigerian artists.
Many of them often find themselves ensnared in exploitative contracts and confront intimidation when attempting to terminate these agreements.
Benson stressed that Mohbad’s case is not an isolated incident, as numerous artists in the country grapple with unfavorable contractual arrangements.
He asserted that the absence of substantial institutional funding in the music industry forces artists into unfair contracts, ultimately hindering creative freedom and financial growth.
Addressing this matter is crucial for the industry’s advancement and sustainability.
Benson expressed apprehension over the bulk of the late artist’s earnings flowing to the Marlian Music Group, with no efforts to safeguard his estate, despite his global recognition as a digital artist.
In tribute to Mohbad, the House underscored the necessity of safeguarding the rights of young artists within their contracts with record labels.
They called for rigorous oversight of the investigation into Mohbad’s demise, particularly concerning allegations of harassment and unpaid royalties.
Furthermore, the House urged the NCC to collaborate with record labels, artists, legal experts, and industry associations to formulate and enforce comprehensive industry-wide guidelines.
These guidelines should guarantee equitable treatment, transparent contracts, and fair compensation for artists.
Additionally, they should assess the existing copyright and contract laws in Nigeria to identify areas necessitating reform.
In this endeavor, the House has entrusted its Committee on Justice and Legislative Compliance with the responsibility of ensuring strict adherence to these guidelines.
