House of Reps order BON, IBAN To Suspend Ban on Artistes

The House of Representatives has asked the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria and the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria to withdraw the ban they placed on the airplay of the songs of some Nigerian musicians.

In a resolution passed in Abuja, the House observed that the ban was planned to take effect from Sunday, December 15, 2013.

A member from Lagos State, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who brought the issue to the attention of the House under matters of urgent public importance, said BON/IBAN and the Copyright Society of Nigeria had been locked in a crisis revolving round payment of royalties to musicians and other unresolved disagreements.

COSON STANDS FIRM: Threatens To Boycott Rhythm Unplugged, Headies... If BON/IBAN Do Not Call Off Ban!

Stemming from the ban of Nigerian Music on Radio and Television stations across Nigeria, by members of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) and the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN).

Artiste (COSON Members) at a music industry forum, which held at Rumours in Ikeja, yesterday (Tuesday 10^th December), have threaten to boycott the forthcoming Rhythm Unplugged, Hip Hop Awards (Headies) and other events.

Because of the event organizers (Rhythm Unplugged - Flytime, Hip Hop Awards (Headies) – Hip TV/Smooth Promotions), affiliations with the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) and the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN).

BON THREAT TO NIGERIAN ARTISTES: EMPTY YET UNFORTUNATE. - Efe Omorogbe.

It has been obvious for a while now that a good number of operators of broadcast stations (radio and television) in Nigeria would do anything to avoid paying royalties for the commercial exploitation of music.

A few associates have tried to argue that this is not the case, citing issues like the figures being demanded and the licensing format as the obstacles militating against mass compliance.

I have maintained, even at a recent IBAN meeting held at Oriental Hotel that these positions were mere excuses as COSON has demonstrated a clear willingness to negotiate with broadcast outfits and engender a relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation.

Why Should NBC Ban Wizkid & Phyno's Songs & Not That Of Olamide & Wande Coal - Charles Novia

The Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) came out with a list of NTBB songs (Not To Be Broadcast). Though such songs have been on the airwaves for months but I guess it’s better late than never. The songs are Whizkid’s ‘The Matter’ and Phyno’s ‘Man of the year’

On social media, a predictable furore has been generated by the NBC’s action. Fans and friends of the concerned artists have been expressing their angst over the ban with some asking what yardstick was used in placing such a ban. As amusing and sometimes annoying one finds some of those comments, which I think stem from an emotive viewpoint rather than logical, I have to pity such commentators because I believe they actually are the ones the songs have corrupted in the first place.

Mel B Joins America's Got Talent As A Judge

Former Spice Girl Mel B is joining the judging panel of the TV show America's Got Talent.

Broadcaster NBC said the 37-year-old, known as Scary Spice when she was part of the chart-topping girl band, will replace Sharon Osbourne.

Osbourne quit the series in a dispute with NBC over their decision to drop her son Jack from another reality show.

Mel B, or Melanie Brown, will join "shock jock" Howard Stern, who has agreed to return for his second season, and comedian Howie Mandel.