MUSIC SHUTDOWN: BON BANS ONYEKA, 2FACE IDIBIA, SIR SHINA PETERS, AYEFELE, OBEY, OTHERS FROM AIRPLAY

Broadcast stations in Nigeria, operating under the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria(BON) in collaboration with the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria(IBAN) has with immediate effect prohibited airplay of musical productions belonging to artistes such as 2Face Idibia, Ebenezer Babatope Obe, Banky Wellington, Iyanya, Azizat, Tony Okoroji and Weird MC among others.

Also banned are musical works belonging to Dbanj, Olamide Dr. SID, Sammy Oposio, Olu Maintain, Sunny Neji, Rugged Man, Jasman Olofin, X-Project, Asha, African Shina, Zulezu, Rizo, DJ Jimmy Jatt, terry J, Nomore loss, Waje, Mike Okro, Omawunmi, Solid Star, Omotola Jelade-Ekeinde, Yinka Ayefele, Onyeka Onwenu, Dan Maraya Jos, Majek Fashek, Wale Thomson, Killington Ayinla, Chris Ajilo, Kenny Saint Brown and Wale Thomson.

Also include are Sound Sultan, J Martins, Solid Star, Omawunmi, Yinka Ayefele, Victor Uwaifo, Onyeka Owenu, Stella Monye, Funmi Adams, Alex Zito, Wasiu Ayinde, Eedee Remedy, Kenny Saint Brown, OJB Jeez Brown, Timaya, Waje, Yinka Ayefele, Dan Maraya Jos, Stela Monye, Funmi Adams, Majeck Fashek, Ras Kimono, Alex Zito, Chris Ajilo, Baba Dee, Roof Top, Frank Danero, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Daniel Wilson, Sir China Peters and Wale Thomson etc.

The list also include all registered members of the Copyright Society of Nigeria(COSON), Secretary to IBAN, Mr. Guy Murray Bruce said in the press release. While presenting the press release to journalists, COSON chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji said he felt like weeping, adding that it is only in a country like Nigeria that this can take place. He said only those who have no regards for intellectual property could have done it adding that the only sin COSON committed was going to court to compel broadcasting stations to pay royalties for use of music.

In his reaction¸ Gab Okoye, a reputable filmmaker said what has happen is a total slap on creativity adding that the war is not only COSON’s but for all and promised to mobilise with COSON to confront BON on the issue.
Director General National Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Mba however called for a negotiated settlement¸ adding that he wonders how the stations can do away with works of the affected artiste who are the best in Nigeria and still meet up with requirement of NBC.