Somehow, no well thinking man will watch a child by the roadside cry and point to the bush without wanting to find out why. It is either the reason the child is crying is hiding there or somewhere near that bush.
This could be seen when lawmakers honoured Mohbad on Tuesday.
Sad, yet true, the death of Mohbad is the height of insecurity in Nigeria and no one should watch it with folded arms.
Nigeria’s lawmakers are pulled by the momentum, a leader’s best friend, and they are responding with enthusiasm.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives honoured Mohbad [Imole], doing something they hardly do when a musician passes.
In death, the musician got a minute-silence-honour from the House.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, had moved a motion for that honour and it was unanimously adopted.
There is so much controversy, with police having so much on their table.
While Nigerians wait for the police to unravel this hidden truth about the musician’s death, lawmakers are taking bold steps.
Raking In Money In Death
There is a report on Marlian Music allegedly owning Mohbad a whooping ₦300 million in royalties, with case in court.
In death, Mohbad is raking in money on his YouTube account and other means, with his song topping chats.
Everyone wants to hear from the young man who died in his prime. His royalties are rising, but most of the songs getting the hits, one of them, PEACE, are on the page of Marlian Music.
As a result, the lawmakers summoned the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) to develop means to protect the music rights of late singer, whose real name is Ilerioluwa Aloba.
Honourable Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), had earlier drawn the attention of lawmakers to the fact that the young man in death was making money.
The royalty must not go to the drains.
Mohbad, 27, passed away on 12 September and was buried the following day in a hurry, somewhere in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
However, following public outrage, the police exhumed his body for autopsy. it is a new level in the investigation into his death.
Seeking Cause Of Death
In that motion, Mr Benson said young people in Nigeria were still seeking to know the cause of the death of the superstar.
To this end, it became necessary that the lawmakers take more interest in the investigation.
He wants them to monitor the ongoing investigation in order to protect the legacy of the late music star.
His finger points at Marlian Music and the late afrobeat star’s royalties in its coffers.
He said: “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”.
Mohbad To Save Other Music Artistes
Furthermore, Honourable Benson emphasised that there was a need for urgent action to save other music artistes in Nigeria from predatory record labels.
“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.
After his statement, the House could see better, and why they honoured Mohbad became clear to all.
Most importantly, members agreed that the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) must put measures in place to protect the rights of Mohbad’s songs and lyrics with urgency.
Also, they want the body to address copyright infringements and ensure the proper management of his musical assets while securing his son’s benefits from his musical legacy.
Have You Read: Mohbad: What His Autopsy Could Do To Nigeria’s Music Industry
Also, the House resolved to monitor the ongoing investigation of Mohbad’s death.
Focus will be on the allegations of harassment and unpaid royalties.
Review Of Copyright And Contract Laws
Meanwhile, the death of Mohbad could bring reform to the music industry.
In fact, the lawmakers say it will collaborate with relevant bodies and individuals – record labels, artists, legal experts, and industry associations – to develop and implement industry-wide guidelines.
It hopes the guidelines will ensure fair treatment, transparent contractual agreements, and proper compensation for artists.
Furthermore, it resolved to review existing copyright and contract laws in Nigeria, identifying gaps or areas needing reforms.
To ensure compliance, the Committees on Justice and Legislative Compliance will champion the push by lawmakers.
Watch Video Of Mohbad Allegedly Attacked In Naira Marley’s House
