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Tag: Okoroji

  • I will not let Okoroji down, says Kasi, The June 12 girl

    I will not let Okoroji down, says Kasi, The June 12 girl

    Budding artiste Kasi, The June 12 Girl, has promised her record label owner, TOPS, Chief Tony Okoroji, that she would not let him down.

    KASI, who was born on June 12, 1993 as Mary Anuforo, lost her civil servant father when she was just ten years old.

    “I will never let Chief Tony Okoroji down,” said Kasi.

    “I have found out that it is not enough to have talent, you have to have the opportunity to show the world what you can do. I have been everywhere. It was motion without movement. Then I found Chief Tony Okoroji. Thirty minutes after I was introduced to him, he listened to me sing, threw a battery of questions at me. He has become my Guardian Angel, dotting the ‘i’s and crossing the ‘t’s of my career.”

    KASI, who was born on June 12, 1993 as Mary Anuforo, was reacting to an earlier praise from Okoroji in an earlier article.

    About two weeks ago, Okoroji, who is Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and former president of Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) described Kasi in sterling words

    “I am not sure that I have met any talent so real and genuine like the June 12 girl,” said Okoroji.

    “KASI is absolute joy to work with. She is a natural and has inspired me in many ways. I can’t wait for Nigerians and the world to experience what I have seen in KASI.”

    Okoroji has also worked for world-acclaimed recording company, EMI, as music producer and Artiste and Repertoire Manager.

    Okoroji who owns TOPS, a company involved in music production, publishing, distribution and events, says that TOPS is ready to make a big statement soon with an outstanding group of Nigerian talents, including KASI.

     

  • OKOROJI TRACES ROOTS WITH TOPS

    UNKNOWN to many, the Chairman of the Copyrights Society of Nigeria (COSON), Tony Okoroji, was a music producer and artiste and Repertoire Manager for international recording conglomerate, EMI.

    Going back to his roots, Okoroji has, for several months, been retooling TOPS, his entertainment company involved in production, promotion, distribution, publishing and top class events organisation.

    The former president of the Performing Musicians and Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) said that he is set to revolutionise the Nigerian entertainment industry with an outstanding group of young first class talents he has painstakingly assembled.

    “I must salute all the young artistes, producers and labels that have in recent years kept Nigerian music representing across the continent and beyond. My job over the years has been to make sure that this crop of creative Nigerians gets the recognition they deserve, their rights respected and that they earn commensurate income for their sweat. In the process, I have met many uniquely talented young artistes who are totally frustrated because nobody seems to have the time to even listen to them or offer them a chance to showcase what they have got. I certainly cannot take care of everyone but I can give hope to some,” he said.

    Okoroji added; “I have seen talents surge and talents disappear. I have seen labels take center stage and suddenly melt away. I have witnessed the industry through the era of the black vinyl, the music cassette and the compact disc. I saw the rise and fall of Alaba. I am presently in the thick of getting the industry to master the digital age with the internet and mobile technology playing significant roles in music distribution as downloads, streaming, CRBT, etc. take over and establish themselves as the new method of passing the ball. I know the nuts and bolts.”

  • OKOROJI TALKS TOUGH ON COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

    OKOROJI TALKS TOUGH ON COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

    THE Chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Tony Okoroji, has said that there will be no hiding place for telecommunication companies operating in Nigeria who do not respect the intellectual property rights of creative people whose works these companies exploit for profit.

    Speaking at the COSON Stakeholders’ Forum which took place in Ibadan on September 8, Okoroji said that henceforth, telcos will not be granted a copyright safe haven in Nigeria.

    According to the former president of PMAN, in the digital age, the telecommunication companies have become first line players in the distribution of music. He insisted that it will be suicidal for the music industry not to insist that these companies play within the rules and in accordance with the law.

    Okoroji said that since COSON decided to take to court the matter of the horrendous copyright infringement engaged in by some of the telecommunication companies, the companies have resorted to ‘cheap and unimpressive blackmail and divide and rule tactics’.

    “Some of the telcos have begun to issue press releases and launch insidious campaigns suggesting to our stakeholders that COSON is working against the interest of its members. They are carrying on a whispering campaign telling Nigerian musicians that by upholding their rights and exposing the massive injury being done to them, COSON is endangering their careers. They are even trying to give the impression that by appointing a few Nigerian artistes as their ‘brand ambassadors’, the music industry should kneel down and grovel to them when these companies go home with about 70% of the income from every piece of music they sell while the artistes, the record labels, the VAS companies fight over a mere 30% of the money.  The composers and publishers who create the music do not even get one naira as these companies rob Peter to pay Paul,” he said.

  • If I’m given wings I will fly -ALEX OKOROJI

    If I’m given wings I will fly -ALEX OKOROJI

    Alex Okoroji, a Nigerian actress, writer and television host, is passionate about the Nigerian creative industry like her ex-musician father and COSON boss, Tony Okoroji. Okoroji broke the internet with the biggest on-air celebration when she celebrated the first anniversary of her internet radio with 16 special guests from different seven countries of the world. She tells Adetutu Audu how she achieved the feat and her plans for the New Year.

    How would you say you fared in 2015 as an actress, author and a self mentor?

    Very well. I fared very well despite the economic challenges and challenges of single handedly raising a child. I still managed to feature in a few movies this year, release my book, publish my blog articles, host a radio show weekly, release a podcast album, speak at a number of events, host talk-therapy sessions, webinars, motivated and empowered so many minds globally. That I’m still in this industry celebrating 10 years, growing and re-inventing myself everyday when many others have either given up or stayed stuck. I’m very proud of the many things I had to overcome to get here and there are still many things I need to achieve. I haven’t even started.

    It has been one year of your Naked Talk on the internet radio. Looking back, did you think you would come this far?

     To be honest, yes. I knew I would go far if I focused worked hard & applied creativity to my talk radio show -THE NAKED TALK w/ Alex Okoroji. What I didn’t know for sure was exactly how long it would take me to start feeling the cool wind of success. One lesson I learned this year is not to have limiting beliefs about myself. If I’m given wings I know I will fly, but for now I shall close my eyes and simply flap my hands in preparation.

    Let us talk about Alex and her naked thoughts, at what point did you conceive the idea?

    It’s pretty strange. I think it was when I moved back from Ghana in 2011. And I was feeling a lot of frustration and I needed to vent/channel my emotions, thoughts and pains somewhere. Unfortunately, seeing a psychologist or shrink to help us deal with the changes in our emotional health is not a culture here in this part of Africa. So I became my own hero and started writing to help myself heal and reclaim back my life. So all those facebook notes and BBM broadcast gave birth to the challenge that pushed me to start my blog in January. And now I’m comfortable and at peace with myself. I’m using my thoughts to also influence and help others express themselves.

    Coming from a country in Africa where people are exposed, yet traditional in a sense, you have brought different personalities to the show, how do you source for them?

    Well, one of the easiest places to connect with people globally is on the social media. The world has become a global village. Before, you would have to travel thousands of miles to engage with a foreigner, now they are only a phone call or an email away. Look at what I tried to accomplish, bringing 16 special guests from seven different countries around the world to my first anniversary show. Had it been a terrestrial radio programme, it would have been logistically impossible. Even online Podcasts won’t ever dare to attempt having that many guests on one show, but we did. We broke the Internet and had the biggest on-air celebration in Africa. So my biggest online hang out spot for meeting and connecting with amazing influencers, is definitely twitter.

    What are your challenges despite the success story?

    The biggest one would be network. Don’t forget having Internet is still a luxury in this part of the world. Which sometimes can be epileptic in some areas. I have had several network disasters and it can be frustrating, especially since I know how much it costs to stream my live show and everything else I do daily on digital media from Webinars, to my Blog, #AskAlex Talk Therapy, my live video broadcasts and using an expensive network like Etisalat, whose services are great in speed but very, very expensive.  Also getting more Nigerian entrepreneurs/ corporate institutions to step into the future and be at par with the rest of the world as regards earning benefits from advertising with on-demand radio shows and podcasts.

    You are a woman of many parts, where do you draw your inspiration from?

    Life! Life has opened my mind to so many lessons that experience was willing to teach me. I draw inspiration from the people around me, events surrounding us, the challenges, obstacles and the accomplishments we make. Having the clarity that my purpose is to empower others.

    Which is more fulfilling for you?

    This question is like asking a mother to choose between her children. I absolutely love being in front of the camera as a working actor. I’m simply waiting for a discerning director who would take a creative risk with me, away from the usual suspects and challenge me. I look forward to an artistic challenge, featuring in the right kind of movies that add cogent value, not washed off tepid stories. I don’t need to be in the A-list mention for me to set a standard for myself. I love acting just as much as I also like writing, because in that area I’m in control. I represent myself 100percent. I love engaging in discussions. Anyone who doesn’t know that about me, knows nothing of why The Naked Talk Radio Show was created. So how can I pick between these different mediums? They each have an audience and they bring a different sense of fulfilment. Maybe this indecision was the reason I was the only junior student in high school who was a member of the Drama Club, Music Club & Press Club, all at the same time. I know my biggest fulfilment is knowing that I have impacted someone’s life with my art.

    You are daddy’s pet and also close to your mom, how supportive have they been?

    They have both been equally supportive of my dreams. And more so recently showing an even deeper sort of excitement, as the reality of what I’ve created dawns on everyone, including myself. I’m happy they tap into my excitement. Honestly, their blessings and prayers are the fuel I need to keep moving forward.

    Your marriage didn’t work out and if you look at Nollywood today, there are so many failed marriages, from your point of view, what is the problem?

    Marriage is crumbling in every faucet of the different industries, sectors, and tribes. People are simply less tolerant and perhaps more incompatible….The truth is that marriage remains an institution that is more complex than our fickle minds can fathom.

    Have you at any point in time regretted that the marriage didn’t work?

    I’ll be honest, the only regret I have is not giving my son the complete family he deserves. I sometimes feel like I failed him in that regard. That being said, he’s not alone. I am his mom and his dad, and he has guidance and love from his extended family….Plus, I have God’s grace and his unwavering love. When the right time comes, God will gift him a real father that will raise him with love. Anything other than that, I only have lessons.

    What has motherhood changed in you?

    Plenty! I simply grew. I probably didn’t change. I just grew up. And I mean that emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. I see life differently and I now embrace my responsibilities whole heartily.

    What should we expect in 2016?

     Expect some major leap in collaborations. As an expressionist and a creative entrepreneur, I believe in strategic alliance and adding value to the goals and vision of others. The Naked Movement would be getting some more global recognition. I would be speaking at more public events and improving my brand this year, shooting more films, hosting more influential guests on radio, releasing my second book. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

  • I’m happy about Majek’s improvement, says Okoroji

    I’m happy about Majek’s improvement, says Okoroji

    A few weeks after making it to rehab, root reggae artiste Majekodunmi Fasheke, aka Majek Fashek, is said to be on the road to recovery by those who have paid him a visit.
    Joining the list of Nigerians who are enthusiastic that his condition is nearing a permanent solution is the Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria, (COSON) Tony Okoroji said.
    In a phone interview with The Nation, he said; “He (Majek) is doing very well, and I’m very happy to say that. I saw him in Abuja, a week and half ago and he is doing very well”.
    Okoroji went on to say that, “He is now very lucid, and speaks intelligibly. I am happy that we did not give up on him, even though many people thought that he was a lost cause. I am also immensely happy, and grateful to Nigerians who responded to the publications we put out, asking for help for him. It is a thing of joy to help a very talented, but troubled Nigerian artiste like Majek. He is a very deep man; immensely philosophical, and we discussed so many things”.
    This is good news to fans, and sympathizers of the immensely talented, but troubled singer. Over the years, it was reported that The Rainmaker had been dogged by spells of mental disturbance, drug/alcohol abuse and addiction.
    The one-time hit maker who rocked the music world in the eighties and nineties is now in rehab. In the last couple of months, an old back-up singer of his, Monica Omorodion, took up a collection for him.
    Nigerians within and outside the country responded to the call until Warri-based billionaire; Ayiri Emami bankrolled the veteran singer’s treatment at an Abuja based rehabilitation center.

  • Why negotiation on music tariff is slow, by Okoroji

    Why negotiation on music tariff is slow, by Okoroji

    The ongoing broadcast industry joint committee on the review of copyright royalty tariffs has left members of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) wondering if their leaders won’t compromise their stand.

    The committee, which includes broadcast agencies such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (IBAN), was inaugurated, following complain by BON and IBAN, that royalties charged by COSON do not meet prevailing standards.

    There are indications that BON and IBAN do not see the justification to pay royalty to COSON, as they have asked broadcast stations to boycott music belonging to members of the latter, who constitute a huge chunk of artistes in the Nigerian music industry.

    But the blacklisting was stalled by the NBC’s requirement of 80 percent local content broadcasting by any station.

    Since its inauguration on February 24, members of the committee are yet to come out with a resolution, necessitating a meeting of COSON’s management, last Monday.

    Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, at the meeting, allayed fears of members, saying the committee will not sacrifice the interest of music owners for the broadcasters.

    “We understand the historic nature of the ongoing negotiations. In the interest of the country, we are willing to bend backwards where it is necessary, and compromise where we consider it appropriate, but we will not under any circumstance sacrifice the interest of members of COSON or the right owners in the various countries around the globe who have mandated COSON to manage their rights.”

    According to Okoroji who seems to be under pressure to accept some terms, “we refuse to accept that the music industry in Nigeria must subsidise the broadcast industry,” noting that Nigeria is the largest country in Africa, yet, less populated countries collect more royalties for music from their broadcast stations.

    “Our GDP is set to outstrip that of South Africa in a few years. Our music is heavily in demand across the world more than that of any nation in Africa. No one has yet given me any reason why in tiny countries, such as Zimbabwe, Botwana, Malawi, etc, they are collecting far more royalties for music from broadcasting stations than Nigeria. No one has told me why South Africa has to collect over one hundred times more royalties for music from broadcasting stations than Nigeria. The royalties paid in Nigeria must be reasonable and in accordance with prevailing standards. This is about the future of our children who are investing their talent, time and resources to create the great music that is shaking the world. They have my assurance that regardless of the provocation, intimidation or threat, we will fully defend their interest.”

    On why negotiation seems to be slow, the COSON boss said the issue is a sensitive one, and it requires patience: “This can never be a never-ending process. The NBC pronouncement is clear as to when this process comes to an end. We are being very patient and professional. We have refused to be provoked so that no one seizes it as a reason to do that which is contrary to the interest of the music industry. We are bringing a lot of incontrovertible facts to the table and my hope is that at the end of this process, the music industry would have taken a major leap forward.”

  • Tony Okoroji charges govt on artistes’ rights

    Tony Okoroji charges govt on artistes’ rights

    WORRIED by the abuse of artistes’ intellectual properties, the Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Tony Okoroji, has called on the National and State Assemblies to ensure compliance with and respect for the Nigeria copyright law by government-owned broadcast stations.

    Speaking at this year’s No Music Day celebrations held on September 1, Okoroji said that to cash in on the significant success recorded by COSON, proper efforts need to be made to ensure that music users across the country respect copyright laws.

    Okoroji called on the National Assembly to ensure that forthwith, clear provisions are made in the budgets of all federal government-owned broadcast stations for the payment of copyright royalties.

    “We refuse to accept a situation where the stations continue with the open stealing of the intellectual property of innocent creative people simply because there is no budget for the payment for the key raw material they deploy in their operations. Any scheme by which the stations are required to pay royalties from their meagre or non-existent ‘internally generated revenue’ is a joke and simply unacceptable to us,” he stated.

    September 1 is a day set aside by the Nigerian Music Industry Coalition, a coalition of the key national associations in the music industry across Nigeria, to draw national attention to the widespread infringement of the rights of composers, song writers, performers, music publishers and other stakeholders in the music industry in Nigeria.