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).

Efe Omorogbe who led the session along with members of COSON in attendance decried the manner in which broadcast station were treating entertainers, especially those in the music industry, calling on the organizers of the mentioned event to disassociate themselves from BON/IBAN or face a massive abstinence from their events.

The battle line was drawn, when BON/IBAN issued a joint press statement stating that from the Sunday 15^th December; they would ‘NO’ longer play music of Nigerian musicians who are members of COSON. Expressing that the rates for royalties, as requested by COSON are outrageous and unrealistic.

COSON on its part says the rates at between N40 – N100 naira per song (12 songs) played during a broadcast hour on TV and Radio stations are Fair. Compared to that paid in other countries – USA: ABC, CBS & NBC RATES - $9.00 to $11.50 (Depending on Time belts).

COSON has demanded a rate of N10 Million naira annually (with the possibility of paying more), based on it’s estimations for major stations: Silverbird TV (STV), Rhythm 93.7fm, Beat FM, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, Ray Power FM, all located in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

During the gathering, it was revealed that some artiste, were emailing Radio and TV stations to continue playing their music, as there’re not members of COSON. COSON however insists it’s the only collecting society recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Stating it had the power to collect royalties and protect the rights of Nigerian artiste. Saying it would sue any organization or persons, who do not play according to the law.

COSON urged authors, composers, songwriters, artistes, performers, publishers, record label executives, owners of sound recordings to ignore IBAN, that no right owner should send any message.

“No self-respecting right owner of the Nigerian music industry should sell his/her birth right by sending an email to BON or IBAN to request that they play his/her music”, COSON argued.

The Nigeria Broadcast Commission (NBC) as called a meeting to find a solution or level ground between COSON and BON/IBAN scheduled to hold tomorrow – Thursday 12^th December at the TBS, Onikan in Lagos by 9am.

Article 3.13.2.2 of the Broadcast code issued by NBC says: ‘For the purpose of free-to-air broadcast, Nigerian music shall constitute 80 per cent of all music broadcast’.

COSON says IBAN and BON should not think that they could play music from foreign musicians without paying copyright royalties. Pointing out that the various copyright conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory to and other reciprocal representation agreements COSON had with other collective management organizations obligated any broadcast station that plays music from both foreign and local musician to pay copyright royalties for using the music. Okoroji revealed that sanctions could be placed on the country if they fail to make this payment.

COSON says that if NBC is unable to find a solution to the Saga between the parties? They would do everything possible to shutdown TV and Radio stations, get licenses un-renewed, if they don’t agree to pay artiste their due.

As members of COSON, entertainers and Music execs in attendance - 2Face Idibia, 9ice, Azeezat, Wunmi Obe, Sound Sultan, Obiwon, Banky W, Efe Omorogbe, Bayo Omisore, Audu Maikori, [Choc City] Boss among others promised to use Star power, Social media, Society to get IBAN/BON to the negotiating talk or settle in court.

COSON is currently in court with Daar Communications, owners of AIT and Ray Power networks, Silverbird Communications, Brila FM and some other firms.

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