The House of Representatives has assured that it would ensure that late Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, receives proper compensation and royalties from his music.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Hon. Olumide Osoba, gave the assurance yesterday when the Nigerian Copyrights Commission (NCC) , Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) appeared before the committee.
Osoba underscored the urgency of addressing issues related to the rights and protection of royalties for young and upcoming artists in our country.
The lawmaker, however, lamented that the current system often falls short in adequately protecting and providing for young musicians concerning their royalty rights.
Osoba added that many emerging artists face challenges when negotiating fair royalty agreements, particularly when dealing with major record labels, which often wield significant power and can impose unfavorable terms, resulting in artists receiving only a fraction of the royalties they deserve.
He said,”It is crucial to recognise that young musicians are often not well-informed about their rights when entering into contracts.
“To address these issues, it is vital to work towards implementing stronger regulations and support systems within the industry.”
“Additionally, there is a need to adapt the music industry to the digital age. While digital streaming platforms have revolutionized music consumption and distribution, young musicians often struggle to earn a substantial income due to outdated royalty structures.
“Advocating for revised royalty models that accurately reflect the value of music in the streaming era is essential.
Osoba said the committee was committed to this responsibility, adding that they have requested relevant information regarding the circumstances of his death and the measures in place to secure his royalties and other benefits.
