Okoroji made the observation when a delegation from Sony Music Entertainment Africa paid a visit to the head office of the organisation in Lagos.
“By now, I believe that everyone in Nigeria knows that our commitment to making music pay for all music stakeholders and our country is total. We are not apologetic for the energy and passion we dedicate to this cause because our success will result in more wealth for our nation and more jobs for the large number of unemployed young people in our country”, he said.
Okoroji said COSON remains the number one institution driving the Nigerian music industry as a result of the unparalleled knowledge, experience and worldview behind the COSON leadership.
“With our hyperactivity, we continue to move closer to our objective of being the number one copyright collective management organization in the African continent. It is no longer debatable that Nigeria is today the hotbed of popular music in Africa. We will not allow the Nigerian nation fritter away such historic opportunity.
‘We are determined to make Nigeria the most attractive place in the continent for investment in the entertainment industry, a place where the laws and commitments are respected by all”, he said.
He explained that COSON is now represented in more than 85 countries around the world.
“As we seek respect for the music of Nigerians used in other countries, we assure you of the protection in Nigeria of the rights of the owners of all music, local or foreign, used in Nigeria. We are very happy with your desire to collaborate with us to let the music pay for everyone around the world in Nigeria”, Okoroji said.
The Sony Music delegation was led by the Managing Director, Mr. Sean Watson. During the meeting, the framework for the licensing of musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria was discussed. Also addressed were digital music exploitation and the best ways that both organizations can work together to harness the potentials of the digital age in music licensing and distribution.
Commenting on the visit, General Manager COSON, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji said his organisation is glad to have Mr. Watson and his team from Sony Music Entertainment Africa adding that COSON is open to partnerships which will be beneficial to the society and the creative industry in Nigeria. Accompanying Mr. Watson from the South Africa based organization was Ms. Manusha Sarawan, Director, New Business/Legal& Business Affairs and Mr. Craig Brown, Director of Finance.
Sony Music Entertainment is home to international artistes like the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Celine Dion, Shakira, John Legend, Pitbull, Rita Ora, Avril Lavigne, Beyonce amongst others.
