The House of Representatives has extended an invitation to the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) with the aim of safeguarding the royalties stemming from the songs and lyrics of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, famously known as Mohbad.
The singer’s management had earlier shared an update on their fight to retrieve his royalties and music catalogues from Naira Marley’s label.
The management revealed that before the singer died, he was in court to retrieve most of his songs and unpaid royalties.
In recent development, an adoption of a motion to retrieve his royalties by Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC-Lagos) was raised during the resumed plenary session in Abuja on Tuesday.
In presenting the motion, Benson highlighted the tragic and mysterious passing of Mohbad on September 12, a somber event that has continued to capture headlines and spark discussions both within and beyond the nation’s borders.
Benson pointed out that there have been protests and processions by youths chanting Mohbad’s name while demanding a thorough investigation. These gatherings have culminated in a tribute concert attended by numerous musicians.
He emphasized that Mohbad’s fans are grappling with the abrupt loss of the artist, noting that Mohbad, also known as “Imole” in Yoruba, was an advocate for peace and illumination through his music.
Benson also shed light on the fact that Mohbad parted ways with his record label, Marlian Records, owned by Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), in 2022, citing several grievances, including unpaid royalties.
The lawmaker averred that this issue underscores a broader problem wherein artists encounter difficulties in asserting their rights. He suggested that it reveals a troubling industry practice wherein young artists find themselves ensnared in unfavorable contracts and face intimidation when seeking to terminate these agreements.
His words;
“Mohbad left his record label, Marlian Records, owned by Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), in 2022, citing various grievances, including unpaid royalties. This issue is indicative of a broader problem in which artists encounter challenges asserting their rights.
“Most of the proceeds of the late artist are still going to the Marlian Music Group, and there have been no moves from any agency to protect the Estate of the late singer who is currently the 46th best-selling digital artiste in the world,” he said.
“A disturbing industry practice has come to the fore. Evidence of mistreatment highlights the struggles of young artists who, in their quest for success, become entangled in parasitic contracts and face bullying when they seek to exit these agreements”