Mohbad: Reps move to protect his royalties, music rights from Marlian Music, invite NCC

 The House of Representatives has made moves to safeguard the digital royaties of deceased singer, Mohbad.

The Reps has called on the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) to fashion out ways to protect the rights of Mohbad’s songs and lyrics.

 Rep. Babajimi Benson(APC-Lagos) at the resumed plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, September 26 moved a motion on the subject matter and it was adopted by members of the house.

 Benson while moving the motion said that Mohbad tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances on Tuesday, September 12, withhis name making headlines and dominating discussions across and beyond the nation.

READ ALSO: Naira Marley Formally Speaks On Reports Linking Him To Mohbad's Death, Clarifies His Stand , Label Rift Et Al (Read details)

He noted the various protests and a procession of youths calling for an investigation to the circumstances of his death.

He said it was evident that Mohbad’s fans were struggling to come to terms with his untimely demise, adding that Mohbad also known as Imole, “light” in Yoruba, was an artist who sang of peace and light.

He recalled Mohbad left his record label, Marlian Records, owned by Naira Marley in 2022, citing various grievances, including unpaid royalties.

“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,” he said.

The House then resolved that the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) must put measures in place immediately to protect the rights of Mohbad’s songs and lyricsaddressing copyright infringements and ensuring the proper management of his musical assets while securing his son’s benefits from his musical legacy.

The house promised to also collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including record labels, artists, legal experts, and industry associations, to develop and implement industry-wide guidelines that ensure fair treatment, transparent contractual agreements, and proper compensation for artists, reviewing existing copyright and contract laws in Nigeria, identifying gaps or areas in need of reform.

 

The House directed the Committees on Justice and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.