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).

PMAN Calls Ban on Airplay of Nigerian Artiste by BON & IBAN as Unfair, Demeaning & Discouraging

The Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria is appalled by the recent development spearheaded by the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (IBAN) via an official press release, calling for the immediate airplay ban on all media platforms on content from Nigerian artistes, the association which was created with the sole mission to PROTECT, PRESERVE, and PROMOTE Nigerian musicians decided to react on the ban and on-going feud between the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria(BON), Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (IBAN) and Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) calling for an immediate reversal of the ban in the interest of these artistes whom we know that all the above mentioned organisations have their best interests at heart.

BON/IBAN Bans Several Artists Including 2face, D'banj, Iyanya, Because of COSON

For quite some time now, the Copyrights Society of Nigeria (COSON), has been harassing the Broadcasting Society of Nigeria (BON) and the Independent Broadcasting Society of Nigeria, IBAN, insisting that they pay royalties for playing the songs of Nigerian artists. COSON has dragged several radio and TV stations to court, demanding millions, sometimes billions of Naira in royalty.

Well, it seems IBAN and BON have had enough. Two days ago, they announced the ban of all Nigerian artists registered with COSON. Meaning that they ordered the immediate stop to the airing of songs of artists who are COSON members.

The artists include 2face Idibia, D'banj, Onyeka Onwenu, Iyanya, Banky W, Flavour, Ice Prince, Dr Sid, Olamide, 9ice, M.I, eLDee, Ruggedman, Wizkid, Asa, Waje, Omawumi and several others.

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.