The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Mavin confirms Wande Coal no more with group

    Mavin confirms Wande Coal no more with group

    Mavin Records, the label created last by Michael Collins aka Don Jazzy, after he parted ways with former label mate, D’banj, is now short of one artiste. The company issued an official statement yesterday, announcing the exit of Wande Coal, two days after the latter had a row with their boss on Twitter.

    Don Jazzy, a celebrated music producer, accused the Afro pop star of stealing his song, Baby Face, released in the early hours of Tuesday. Coal, who felt slighted by the indictment, replied his boss in a manner suggesting he was envious of his (Coal) progress. Coal went on to post two versions of the song online for fans to decipher.

    Both parties had been silent afterwards, putting off curious friends and journalists, who expected Jazzy to give more proof that he actually owned the song. The statement by the label management cited irreconcilable differences as reason for the split.

    “It is with deep regret that we officially announce the departure of recording artist Wande Ojosipe, popularly known as Wande Coal, from Mavin Records due to irreconcilable differences,” the statement reads.

    The company said it found that the vision of the artiste does not align with its renewed philosophy of quality and professionalism to a world-class level, hence the decision to let him go.

    It said the decision was taken a few months ago, after legal parties on both sides spent six months trying to reach an amicable solution in terms of musical property rights. The statement says although both parties mutually agreed that a separation would be the best course of action, Coal’s release of Baby Face as his own material is a direct breach of intellectual property law, which compelled an immediate clarification on their part.

    “Both Mavin Records and Wande Coal have enjoyed a remarkable run in the their working relationship. It is unfortunate that conflicting priorities contributed to the premature curtailment of a once fruitful accord…We wish Wande Coal the best in all his future endeavours.”

    Fans began to suspect that all was not well between Coal and Mavin when few months ago, he released a new single, Kilaju, which was produced by Maleek Berry and released under his Black Diamond imprint.

    Things got awry after the release of the fun upbeat track, Baby Face, which got Jazzy taken to his twitter page to blow his boy’s cover.

    Coal was one of the reasons D’banj and Jazzy parted ways in 2012, thus the new tussle is a further break up of the group, Mavin, which had Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince and Dr SID. Jazzy cannot be said to have full autonomy over savage, as her label 323 Entertainment is merely in partnership with Mavin Records.

    With the exit of Coal, industry watchers believe that things might not be the same with the one-year-old Mavin Records.

    Don Jazzy and D’banj last year threw barbs in the same manner. Theirs started from a confidential email, which leaked, followed by an exchange of words on the social media platforms.

  • COSON on warpath with C’River

    COSON on warpath with C’River

    MBROILED in a war of words with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) over the latter’s claim that it is arbitrary in its approach at collecting royalty, the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON)  has initiated a legal proceedings against Cross River State on its use of music at the annual Calabar Carnival.

    In a statement, COSON said it has sued the Cross River Carnival Commission, the governor and Attorney-General for N5 billion at the Federal High Court, seeking, among others, an injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, privies or servants from the unauthorised copying, communication to the public, broadcast and infringement of the copyright in the musical works and sound recordings of the members, affiliates, assignors and licensors of COSON.

    The suit, filed for COSON by Intellectual Property (IP) lawyer Justin Ige, claims that the events organised everyDecember by the Carnival Commission have been using musical works and sound recordings of members, affiliates, assignors and licensors of the plaintiff without paying money to the society.

    COSON indicated it has requested repeatedly that the defendants should obtain appropriate licenses and pay the requisite royalties for the musical works and sound recordings of members, affiliates, assignors and licensors of COSON.

    According to its General Manager, Chinedu Chukwuji, it is unfortunate that they are engaging the state and its agents in litigation.

    “I know how much we have tried to avoid this matter getting to this point. I know how hard we have tried to engage the officials of the state government to find an amicable answer. I know the personal efforts made by our Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, who has several friends within the state government apparatus. The problem is that in this day and age, many supposedly educated Nigerians still do not take intellectual property matters serious. They think that people’s intellectual property can be freely used anyhow and anywhere they want until the matter results into a big court action costing millions…”

    Only last month, COSON filed a N10 billion copyright infringement action on DAAR Communications Plc, owners of Ray Power FM, Faaji FM and Africa Independent Television (AIT) for a similar issue. The case, among others is still pending in court.

  • Cheating photos of Will Smith leak amid divorce rumours

    Cheating photos of Will Smith leak amid divorce rumours

    FEW days after the divorce rumours of Hollywood actor Will Smith and his wife , news of the actor’s escapade with a younger actress was exposed through photographs, indicating he has been having an illicit affair.

    Radaronline, a United States tabloid, Star, reported that Smith and his co-star, 23-year-old Australian actress, Margot Robbie, from the just wrapped movie, Focus, were caught kissing behind the curtain of a photo booth at the wrap-up party.

    “He wasn’t acting as a married man; he gave no signs that he was in a committed relationship,” an eyewitness told the magazine.

    For three months now, Smith is said to be living separately from his wife of 15 years, and they are said to have put their family home up for sale.

    The couple have two kids together; Jaden and Willow, but Smith has another son, 20-year-old Trey, from his previous marriage to actress Sheree Fletcher.

    News of the crack in their marriage came as a surprise to fans, who have considered the couple as having one of the most solid marriages in Hollywood.

    The actor, who is trending with his futuristic science thriller, After Earth, is said to be in New Orleans, filming his latest movie, Focus, while Jada is believed to have moved into her brother Caleeb’s home in Los Angeles.

    This is not the first time the couple has been hit by rumours of marital problems. In April, the Hawthorne actress said Will could do “whatever he wants” in their marriage, but later added in a post on Facebook that this did not mean they had an open relationship.

    It is not clear what the problem between the two is. Only recently, Jada praised her husband’s parenting efforts: “There are some men who feel like: ‘Listen, I take care of the house and the home. That’s all I need to do. What makes Will the best father in the world to me is that he’s there, not just there in a way that’s traditional; the emotional support he offers his children is immeasurable,” said Jada.

  • Lifeline for the indigent

    The Interim National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Principal Associate of M. A. Banire and Associates, Dr Muiz Banire, presented this year’s edition of The Blue Book , a law journal, in Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

    For indigent students of the Nigerian Law School, their worry is over.

    A God-sent helper is ready to dole out millions of naira to assist the would-be lawyers to complete their mandatory Law School programme.

    The proceeds of the public presentation of The Blue Book 2013, a law journal to be channelled towards assisting the students.

    The book was written by the Interim National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Principal Associate of M.A. Banire and Associates, Dr Muiz Adeyemi Banire, in collaboration with Osun State Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Planning, Ajibola Basiru and Kunle Adegoke.

    Though devoid of a large crowd expected at events of such personality, the few who came were big wigs in the legal and political sectors.

    It was a day a lawyer took charge of proceedings with judges taking orders from him.

    Judges and lawyers shared jokes and threw banters.

    Many were in the traditional lawyers’ outfits of wig and gown; a few politicians and two traditional rulers went for native attires.

    Oba Rilwan Akiolu made a grand entry, enlivening the gathering.

    His intermittent interjections evoked laughter from the audience. Even when he kept quiet, the former police chief’s gestures were funny.

    Activist lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN) joined him in making the event comic.

    After prayers, the event began in earnest.

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), represented by his Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice Ade Ipaye, Oba Akiolu, Falana and some justices of the Court of Appeal were full of praises for Banire for his “giant legal strides”.

    Fashola said Nigeria and Lagos in particular were lucky to have M.A. Banire Chamber, which has continued to provide useful materials to guide the courts.

    Oba Akiolu described the book as educative and informative.

    “The book will open many issues that would aid administering of justice in the country. I strongly recommend it to everybody including people who are not in the legal profession,” he said.

    To Falana, the book is a wonderful intervention by the author. He also described the co-authors, Basiru and Adegoke as brilliant lawyers.

    “They (Basiru and Adegoke), he recalled, were expelled from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and University of Lagos (UNILAG) not because they engaged in cultism rather due to aluta and we defended them probono. I am not surprised that they are donating the proceeds from the book to aid indigent students of Law School.”

    On the book, Falana said: “The book has simplified the rules of our courts in a way that we can promote the justice system; it has simplified access to justice. This will be very useful to our judges including those at the Court of Appeal and for me that is very commendable.”

    He urged judges to “interpret our laws so that justice can ooze out of our courts and what the authors have done is to ensure that access to justice is made simpler. If you are familiar with the book, you are sure of getting your law properly interpreted by the court. What the justices at the Appeal Courts have said today is that the book has been very useful and handy to them in navigating difficult areas of the law.”

    Justice Sidi Bage of the Court of Appeal, Lagos and Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, Presiding Judge of Court of Appeal, Benin Division, showered encomiums on Banire, saying the book has aided their judgments delivery.

    According to Justice Ogunwumiju, any judge that is grounded in civil procedure will escape harassment from lawyers in court, hence, the importance of The Blue Book.

    Earlier in his remark, Banire said the book is to supplement efforts of judges by providing opinions which have been found quite relevant in interpreting the law.

    Experiences, he said, have shown different interpretations on the same rules by the court, making stare decisis a principle rather difficult to implement.

    “The Blue Book is our modest contribution to enrich the fountain of justice from which we all, whether as litigants, counsel or judge, must always drink. Where the fountain is polluted, it is certain that none shall savour the stench emanating therefrom; hence, the need to preserve our source of livelihood and a great means of maintaining peace in the society,” he said.

    The book reviewer, Mr Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), hailed the authors for an in-depth annotation of the 2012 rules.

    “The Blue Book 2013 provides further evidence that the writer’s quill never goes dry. Those close to Dr Muiz Banire will no doubt be unsurprised that the Notary Public and erudite legal scholar still found time out of his herculean schedule in politics and the robust practise of law to co-author this trail-blazing book,” he said.

    According to Pinheiro, the book has taken giant strides forward and easily stands out as the Nigerian pre-eminent equivalent of the Blue Book which is used in majority of US Federal Courts and The White Book 2013 which provides updated commentary on the English civil procedure rules and the 2013 amendments thereto.

    Before his departure, Oba Akiolu was joined by Oyo State Deputy Governor Otunba Alake Adeyemo, Falana, Justice Phillips, Banire, Basiru, Adegoke and Elegushi of Ikateland Oba Saheed Elegushi to unveil the book.

    Justice Akeem Olatunde Oshodi gave the closing prayer.

  • Osun shines at Brain Awards

    Its introduction of Opon Imo, the tablet of knowledge, five months ago, was hailed by many. Since then, the Osun State government has been receiving awards for the initiative. It picked up another award at the maiden edition of the Brain Awards at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    THE event was the first of its kind in the country. Brands got awards for exceptional performance.

    Brain Awards 2013, organiser of Brands in Nigeria Awards, honoured seven winners, including personalities, organisations and products.

    People came from far and wide to attend the ceremony at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Arriving in their exotic cars, they exchanged pleasantries from the ground floor, taking of pictures on the red carpet.

    The guests later moved to the first floor where the award was held.

    Inside the hall, B’ Clean Disk Jockey led by Sola Lawal supplied music which entertained guests.

    Guests converged on the fully air conditioned hall in various outfits including dinner, corporate and traditional wares. Those who followed the All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and wife, Kudirat wore white natives with orange caps.

    The hall was decorated in gold, white and black while the chairs were stylishly set around the tables which had glass vase with mercury like substance in it. There were music from Just Dance Entertainments, The Gliz, Solid Star and a young man simply identified as Victor.

    The event started with all guests standing as a Saxophonist – Yomi Sax led the National anthem with his instrument.

    Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka anchored the event.

    In his opening remark, the Executive Producer of Brain Awards, Mr Gboyega Akusile, said the award was meant to celebrate brains coming from products, organisations and individuals in the country.

    “Brain award is meant for brands made in Nigeria, brands brought to Nigeria or brands doing well in Nigeria and we are here to celebrate seven of them,” he said.

    Akusile thanked all the sponsors and others who made it to the event despite traffic snarl and all other challenges.

    The award session followed.

    Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola led the pack of awardees. He got Information Technology Product award.

    Aregbesola was represented by Alhaji Mohammed.

    He thanked the organisers for the honour, saying that Osun State has branded its educational system through the provision of Opon Imo (Tablet of knowledge also known as I-pad) for students.

    He added that the Opon Imo has cut down the cost of education for students in Osun State and has brought technology to every nook and cranny of the state.

    “Opon Imo, he said, “is an hand held device that contains not only all the textbooks that the students will need in their classes but also past questions and lecturers that would be useful in their academics”.

    “Parents in Osun now through Opon Imo are becoming more technology inclined,” he said.

    Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi represented by Kayode Akinyemi said branding is a very crucial part of advertising in Nigeria.

    “We cannot mention products, personalities, or organisation without branding being mentioned. Ekiti State investment in branding has helped the state to achieve greater things”, Akinyemi said.

    Other awards given include: Political brand personality award to Alhaji Muhammed; Food Product of the year to Cowbell; Best Production of the year and sponsorship to MTN Project fame; Fastest growing creative agency of the year to Extreme Ideas; Telecom product of the year to Etisalat for easy click and Most impactful regulator of the year to Advertisers Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

    In attendance were General Manager The Nation, Soji Omotunde; President Public Relations Officers Consultancy of Nigeria, Jude Nwakanma; Mr Femi Adeniran; Nokia Marketing Manager, Jide Akinyemi; Hon Babatunde Adepitan; Hon Hakeem Bamgbola; Hon Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe; Hon Abiodun Mafe; Comrade Kamal Salau-Bashua; Alhaji Jubreel AbdulKareem; Hon Ayodeji Joseph; Hon Joseph Bamigbose; Mrs Ngozi Anifowose; APCON Director, Job Onuara; Managing Director, Plural Media, Mr Bassey Rufort; Mr Peter Adebayo; Mr Ibrahim Anibaba; Managing Director, Extreme Ideas/ Extreme Music, Mr Steve Babaeko; Ambassador Kaniya Nndofia; Mr Seun Muyiwa, Head Corporate Communications Skye Bank Otegar Abram; and Hon Victor Adeyemi, among others.

  • ‘He’s a divine gift’

    Oyinkansola and Olukayode, children of Mr Nelson Suulola and Pastor Emmanuel Alao, have tied the nuptial knot at the New Light Baptist Church in Shangisha, Lagos. The reception was held at the NECA Events Centre in Ikeja, Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

    Sometimes,guests hardly turn up in large numbers at events on weekdays, but for the wedding of Oyinkansola and Olukayode, children of Mr Nelson Suulola and Pastor Emmanuel Alao, it was different.

    In the early hours of the day, family members and friends gathered at the New Light Baptist Church in Shangisha, Lagos, to watch them tie the nuptial knot.

    After the church service, the bridal train moved to the NECA Event Centre at Ikeja for the reception.

    The reception anchored by Okundalaiye Ayodele started on schedule. Music was supplied by the Beejay Sax Band led by Abolaji Banjoko.

    It was dance all day; the couple’s parents came amid fanfare.

    All stood to catch a glimpse of them.

    The occasion was chaired by Mr Olaniyi Babatunde. The opening prayer was given by Pastor Adeyemo Adejumo.

    To the couple, it was their day of joy. When they were called into the reception hall, one would think it was a dancing competition. It was their day of joy and they proved it on the dance floor.

    Babatunde thanked God for the couple and their parents and for their proper upbringing.

    He urged the couple to imbibe what he called the 3Cs of a successful marriage.

    “The first C is Common purpose – you must agree on what kind of family you want to set up; Commitment – your commitment will make your marriage a success and the third C is Communication – it is very important for you to communicate so that your marriage will be successful. Through communication differences are resolved. I pray God to bless your marriage,” he said.

    The cutting of the cake was supervised by the moderator. The cake was cut after the spelling of Jesus.

    After feeding each other, the bride and her father took to the dance floor. After this, it was the couple’s turn. They were later joined by their parents and family members on the dance floor.

    For Oyinkansola, a Marketing graduate of the Covenant University, it was a dream come true and her husband is a divine gift.

    “I am very happy; it was a dream come true. I thank God because he has brought us this far. I just found out that he is a divine gift,” she said.

    To Kayode, an Architecture graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Oyinkansola is a kind-hearted, beautiful and God-fearing woman.

    The bride’s father, Suulola described the occasion as a dream come true.

    “It is a dream fulfilled and I really want to thank God for this opportunity for we are all alive to give our daughter the kind of a marriage we wished for, I really thank God.

    “I pray for them to have a successful marriage and that God should continue to be with them. They should use God as the cornerstone of their relationship because with God everything is possible,” he said.

  • A soccer buff at 60

    The Managing Director of Integrated Consultancy Management Accounting Services (ICMA) and former captain of the Ikeja Golf Club, Dr Abdul Wahab Awa Ibraheem, is 60. A reception was held for him at the club to usher him into the sexagenarian club. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    ALTHOUGH a reception was being held to mark his 60th birthday, one thing engaged the mind of Managing Director of Integrated Consultancy Management Accountants Services (ICMA) Dr Abdul Wahab Awa Ibraheem, last Saturday. That is Sunday’s Manchester United vs Arsenal FC match. Though one week away, he was already talking about the game.

    As a staunch fan of Man U (the Red Devils), Ibraheem was looking forward to his team whipping arch rival Arsenal (the Gunners). MAN U’s victory, he said, would been his best birthday gift.

    Among an array of gifts presented to him at the Ikeja Golf Club, Lagos, venue of the reception, the one he cherished most was the first-class ticket to the United Kingdom to watch the match at Old Trafford presented to him by two of his children, Mrs Temitope Ajanaku and Muiz Ibraheem. To them, it was difficult choosing a gift for a man who virtually has it all.

    “I have never been there (Old Trafford), he said, amid banters and boos from the Gunners’ supporters.

    Dr Ibraheem (aka AWA), clocked 60 on October 19.

    Though the celebration was earlier billed to hold on the exact date, he left for Mecca a week before on pilgrimage to escape the celebration. His wives and children had it all planned but he chose to spend that day praying in the holy land.

    “He actually did pray all day because I called his number several times on that day to wish him a happy birthday to no avail,” Mrs Ajanaku told The Nation.

    The walkway of the lounge of the club was lined with a red carpet. The roofing and wall were embellished with gold fabric, same as the chair overlays. Each table took 10 guests, who turned out as resplendent as they could.

    The guests were entertained by the Alayande ‘Wole-led Prince Dance Band, while the members chatted and made new friends until the arrival of the birthday ‘boy’.

    They comprised his friends and associates from four states and neighbouring Ghana. The turn-out was a testimony to the character of the man they came to celebrate.

    It was a simple but classy gathering.

    They referred to him in superlative terms: a detribalised Nigerian, a golfer, philanthropist, first-class graduate, chatered accountant, lecturer, stockbroker, manager, consultant, mentor and entrepreneur to mention but a few.

    The first to take the microphone was the captain of the club, Adewole Showole, who described the celebrator as an unassuming philanthropist who is dear to his heart.

    “At 60, which he doesn’t look, he is an epitome of success. I have known him to be a gentleman for a long time; we have not seen as much benevolence from anyone as we have seen in him. Despite being an honorary member, he takes the responsibility for 50 per cent of the members of the Ikeja Gold Club, thus, the decision to honour him.”

    Showole said a short prayer asking God to keep him for many more years.

    For the Secretary to the Delta State Government Hon Ovuozourie Macauly, the older he is, the more handsome he becomes.

    Macaulay recalled some conversations and meetings he had with Ibraheem. He Ibraheem believes we are all sourjourners and the legacies we leave behind count. Hence, his many services to humanity, devotion to community and kindness to mankind. He promised to host another birthday celebration for Ibraheem in Asaba soon.

    There was a golf tournament in honour of Ibraheem. Prizes were presented to winners; they went home with prizes, such as gas cookers, microwave ovens, freezers and refrigerators, blenders and other household electrical gadgets.

    The height of the presentation was the celebrator’s announcement that he would start a workshop, fully equipped with all the necessary appliances for one of the young winner who is an apprentice of a profession.

    The guests went wild in jubilation, stretching their necks to know who the lucky chap was.

    Members of the staff of the golf club as well as the pros (professionals) presented him with gifts in appreciation of what God has used him to do for them.

    Mrs Ajanaku described her father as temperamental but great, adding that he gave them all they needed to become successful in life. She said sending him to Old Trafford is for him to meet two players of the club and, hopefully, the Coach, Sir David Moyes.

    The celebrator thanked his friends for the party, adding that he did not contribute a dime to host the event. He also thanked his wives and children for standing by him all these years.

    The Offa-born celebrator recalled some of his days at the CMS Anglican Primary School, Offa, Kwara State, particularly the white and green rice they were given on October 1, 1960 when he was seven.

    Afterwards, he took to the dance floor with his family while friends sprayed him with crisp naira notes.

    AWA graduated with first class in Accounting from the University of Lagos in 1982, after which he assisted in setting up the Department of Accounting and Finance in the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) the same year. He bagged a Ph.D in Management Science from UNILORIN in 2003.

    In recognition of his leadership qualities and his contributions to the society, he was awarded the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship by the government of the United States.

    His alma mater, UNILAG, honoured him with the Golden Jubilee Distinguished Award in 2012.

    He has served on the boards of New Africa Merchant Bank, Lagos; Arewa Hotels, Kaduna; Nigeria Hotels, Lagos; Zaranda Hotels, Bauchi; Festac 77 Hotels, Lagos; Shiroro Hotels, Minna; Kwara Hotels, Ilorin.

    At present, he is the Chairman, Oak Pension Funds Administrators, Oceanic Health Management Organisation, Prime Metro Properties and Express Portfolio Services, among other blue-chip organisations.

    At the event were: Delta State Head of Service Mr Okey Ofili; Chairman, Henry George Group of Companies, Ilorin, Sir Oladimeji Thomson and its Managing Director Nelson Supo; Director-General, Bureau of Lands, Kwara State, Alhaji Yusuf Abdul Wahab; Oseni Aliyu of the Nigerian Customs Service; the Ooye of Omu-Aran Ooye Ademola Bamidele, among others.

     

  • COG Records unveils Poet Ivy

    COG Records unveils Poet Ivy

    From plying its trade in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Scandinavia, Naijaboy Entertainment and COG records has decided to tell its story at home, says its CEO, Gabriel Akunyili.
    This comes with the debut of its first commercial release on  Friday November 1 with the unveil of its main artist, Narrator aka Poet Ivy
    A Bsc and Msc holder in Literature and Poetry, Poet ivy released the single, No need to lie. Akunyili describes him as an entertainer and artist in his own caliber and lane.
    “His album, The Introduction of Poison Ivy, aims to steal and run the show like a dictator. Expect banging beats, new sound of music and lyrics as sharp as tooth of alligator from Mr. Narrator, the storyteller, the griot,” says Akunyili.
  • Why BON can’t shun Nigerian songs, by label boss

    Why BON can’t shun Nigerian songs, by label boss

    The tussle between the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and some broadcast stations in the country has continued to expand its ripples, with the leadership of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) as latest antagonist. BON had threatened that its affiliate stations may be asked to refrain from playing music by Nigerian artistes, if the former does not relax its harsh method of demanding payment for songs used by broadcast stations.

    A BON jingle on Raypower FM decries what it describes as COSON’s monopoly in the Collective Management Organisation (CMO), asking that government should allow other societies to exist and give artistes alternatives on which agencies should manage their copyright. The jingle accused the government approved sole collecting society of using arbitrary method to collect fees from broadcast stations.

    The campaign began weeks after COSON filed a N10 billion copyright infringement action against DAAR Communications Plc, owners of Ray Power FM, Faaji FM and Africa Independent Television (AIT).

    The society had earlier achieving compliance from Dstv, Cool FM and Eko Hotel among others, for the use of music belonging to artistes under its repertoire.

    Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji maintains that, nothing about his society’s method was arbitrary. He said COSON has demonstrated a clear willingness to negotiate with broadcast outfits and engender a relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation.

    According to Okoroji, some broadcast stations “consider the very idea of COSON unsavory and the polite request of compliance to payment for a license, a legal pre-requisite for operation and international standard practice, an affront.”

    Music promoter, Efe Omorogbe who dared BON to carry out its threat said the thought of pulling out Nigerian music from the electronic media is an empty albeit unpatriotic one. “BON is clearly aware that it is impracticable and I would love to see them execute it.”

    Undeterred, Omorogbe, a member of COSON described the threat as a desperate attempt at divide and conquer, recounting on a similar experience. “Before COSON settled out of court with Globe Broadcasting & Communications Ltd. and Steam Broadcasting & Communications Ltd., owners of Wazobia FM and Cool FM, a similar strategy was tested and a few guys on our side of the divide hurriedly jumped ship for almighty promo. One year plus down the road, the reward for their “loyalty” hasn’t translated much as far as I can see. I stand to be corrected but these guys are neither in the top bracket of highest earners in terms of performance fees nor are they the ones who got the biggest endorsement deals. All they have got is some “complimentary” rotation and the ignominy of being the ones who betrayed their industry at a crucial time in its evolution and growth.”

    He noted that while COSON sees music as an intellectual property, the commercial exploitation of which should be duly compensated, BON on the other hand is probably of the view that Nigerian music is something we plug in primarily to “help” promote artistes.

    He said contrary to the allegation that COSON is arbitrary in its approach; the society is simply following a global standard in tariff and format.

    Omorogbe, who gave reasons for why it would be difficult for BON to pull out Nigerian music from Nigerian airwaves, pointed out that the 2013 Nigerian is not particularly big on foreign music.

    “The NBC insists on a minimum required percentage of local content for these guys to even retain their broadcast licenses. If for some reason, they succeed in the criminally unpatriotic bid to pull out Nigerian music off our airwaves, what will they replace it with; foreign music? Most of that is controlled by PRS, SAMRO etc, all represented in Nigeria by the same COSON – back to square one.” He stated.

  • Don Jazzy, Wande Coal play dirty over song theft

    Don Jazzy, Wande Coal play dirty over song theft

    What for some time, has been a quiet separation between Mavin Record boss, Michael Collins aka Don Jazzy and singer Wande Coal came to the fore yesterday, with the music producer accusing the Afro Pop star of stealing his song Baby Face, released in the early hours of Tuesday.

    Coal, who released the single under his personal label; Black Diamond Entertainment, had joined MAVIN Records last year, following the split between Don Jazzy and former label mate, D’banj, which signaled the end of their company; Mo’hits.

    Fans began to suspect strongly that all was not well between Coal and Mavin when few months ago, he released a new single, Kilaju which was produced by Maleek Berry and released under his Black Diamond imprint.

    An earlier indication of gradual separation between the two was also noticed after the release of Coal’s video “The Kick” on May 10, 2013 which had no indication of Mavin Records, but Coal’s record label Black Diamond Entertainment.

    Things got awry after the release of the fun upbeat track titled – Baby Face, which got Jazzy taking to his twitter page to blow his boy’s cover. Claiming the ownership of the song which he said he produced a year ago, the label boss said; “How long will I continue to sweat and some people will choose to steal from me. I am nice and easy going doesn’t mean you should disrespect me.”

    Perhaps his words could have kept people wondering who the music producer was referring to, but for the response of Coal, which did not appear to be denying the allegation.

    “It is with sad heart that I make this response. Steal from you? I served your for 10 years, why are you not happy with my progress. Is it bad that I kept quiet and moved on with my life? You have my phone number, email address and my DM to communicate with me, but you choose twitter attention syndrome. After all these years of being loyal to you, I can never believe you will ever say this to me, trying to bring me down on twitter.”

    Coal was one of the reasons D’banj and Jazzy parted ways in 2012, thus the new tussle is a further break of the group, Mavin, which had Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, Tiwa Savage, D’Prince and Dr SID. Jazzy, cannot be said to have full autonomy over savage, as her label 323 Entertainment is merely in partnership with Mavin Records. With the clear exit of Coal, industry watchers are of the opinion that this may just be the end of the one-year-old Mavin Records.

    The war of words between the two continued with Jazzy debunking insinuation by Coal that he may not be happy with his progress. “Without collecting a dime from you; if I wanted to stop you, why would I allow you release Rotate without my company credit. Why would I allow you perform around the world?”

    But it appears some fans are taking sides with Coal. Responding to Jazzy’s tweets, they had wondered why he chose to go public without first talking the issue out with his boy. To them, Jazzy replied: “I can decide to shut him down with one call. But didn’t. All I ask for is “give me my credit” and nothing else. I honestly expected you all to come at me with me being childish, but enough is enough. Even if I send my legal team on him una go complain too.”

    Don Jazzy and D’banj last year threw barbs in the same manner. Theirs started from a confidential email which leaked, followed by exchange of words on the social media platforms.