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.

She told the House that should the ban take effect, about 80 per cent of Nigerian artistes would not have their songs played on radio or tv stations in the country.

Part of her motion read, “The statement is banning almost 80 per cent of music by Nigerian artistes from being played on Nigerian radio and TV from 15th of December.

“I am worried that a tussle between the organizations should not degenerate to a situation that will retard the progress made so far in our music industry. The victims will not only be the artistes but Nigeria and Nigerians. I am aware that this crisis can be resolved through dialogue.”

She informed the House that at a time when Nigerian music was getting international recognition, particularly on the African continent, the ban would only take the country several steps backward.

“In South Africa, three hours of daily air play is given to Nigerian songs. But, here at home, we want to place a ban on the music of popular artistes like 2face, D’Banj, Wizkid and many others?,” the lawmaker added.

The House passed the motion in a unanimous voice vote and directed “BON/IBAN to withdraw the December 15 directive banning the airing of the music of several Nigerian artists on Nigerian Television and Radio stations.

The directive added, “Mandate the House committees on Information, Judiciary and Justice to intervene in the matter and report back to the House within one month.”

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