Stakeholders in the Nigerian music industry have identified legislation as the cornerstone upon which a successful and sustainable music industry can be built in the country.
In a communique issued after an emergency summit in Lagos, the stakeholders comprising African Music Award (AFRIMA), Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Record Label Proprietors Initiative (RELPI), Association of Music Artist Managers of Nigeria (AMAMN) and Music Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN), said legislation will play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of the industry.
The communique reads: “Participants agreed that legislation is the cornerstone upon which a successful and sustainable music industry is built. It plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of the industry, safeguarding the rights of artists and other stakeholders, promoting innovation, and ensuring a fair and competitive environment.
“Hence a need for well-crafted laws and regulations that can provide a stable framework for the industry, protect the rights of artistes, creators, record labels and promote investment, and foster a vibrant music ecosystem.
“Identify and reach out to other sectoral bodies who were not represented at the emergency meeting and bring these critical industry players to the next round table of discussion on the evolution, growth, and way forward for the sector.
“Set up a four-man ad hoc committee of entertainment and music legal practitioners to look at the mandate of current sectoral bodies and advise on whether the legal instruments governing the operations of these bodies need to be strengthened to meet the demands of the ever-evolving sector.
“Nomination of two members each from the leadership of the sectoral bodies to further discuss issues raised at the meeting in two weeks and come up with an action plan that will be submitted to the larger congregation at the next meeting slated to be held in one month’s time.
“Bringing together experts, professionals, and representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government (MDAs) into a committee to develop a legal framework and mobilise support for the establishment of a music institute by an act of parliament was also an item raised at the meeting but participants agreed that further engagements are required on the suitability of such important action and the matter was stepped down for further discussion in subsequent meetings.”
The communique also charged all players within the music ecosystem, especially the artistes to join relevant organisations to further guarantee and protect them and their crafts.
“There is a need to prevent the negative perception or sidelining of professional bodies such as PMAN, MPAN, AMAMN, and RELPI, and an urgent need for an umbrella body for the various sectoral bodies operating within the music industry in Nigeria. By consolidating the industry structures, participants believe the key players can stimulate a more supportive and collaborative environment for growth.”
