House of Reps invited Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) to develop ways to protect the rights of late Mohbad’s songs and lyrics
The action was taken after a proposal by Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC-Lagos) was approved during the plenary’s resumed session in Abuja on Tuesday, September 26.
Benson moved the motion, stating that Mohbad sadly passed away on Tuesday, September 12, inexplicably, and that his name had continued to dominate news and discussions across the country and beyond.
He said that there had been demonstrations and a march of young people to a tribute performance, where many musicians were there, singing his name and demanding an investigation.
The representative stated that it was clear that Mohbad’s followers were having a difficult time processing his premature passing and that he was an artist who sang about peace and light. Mohbad was also known as Imole, which means “light” in Yoruba.
He further claimed that in 2022 Mohbad quit his record company, Marlian Records, which was run by Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), claiming a number of issues, including unpaid royalties.
“Mohbad quit Marlian Records, controlled by Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), his record label, in 2022, alleging a number of complaints, including underpaid royalties.
This problem is a symptom of a larger issue where artists have trouble defending their rights.
The majority of the late singer’s earnings are still flowing to the Marlian Music Group, and no steps have been taken by any agencies to protect the estate of the late singer—who is presently the 46th best-selling digital artist in the world—he continued.
“A troubling industry practise has surfaced. Evidence of mistreatment brings to light the problems faced by young artists who, in their pursuit for success, get caught up in parasitic contracts and experience bullying when they try to get out of them, he added.
Therefore, the House decided that the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) must implement safeguards right away.
