MUSIC

Information Minister Endorses The Use Of Bar Code In Nigeria Music And Movies To Curb Piracy

Published

8 years ago

August 14, 2016

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has endorsed the use of barcode in Nigerian movies and music as a measure to protect intellectual properties from undue exploitation.

Lai Muhammed

The Minister, who was responding to a request to that effect by the Caretaker Committee of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Friday, advised the Association to also liaise with the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and other regulatory bodies to ensure the success of the new measure.

“You asked that we make a declaration making it illegal for NTA, FRCN and other radio and television stations from using any music or movie, which is not barcoded…I think what we should do is to work through the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), NCC and other regulatory bodies,” he said.

Barcode is a machine-readable representation of data, which provides information about the objects that carry such codes. In the movie and music industry, It can be used to separate original works from fake ones, thus preventing buyers as well as radio and television stations from patronizing pirated works.

Alhaji Mohammed decried how trillions of Naira are being lost through copyrights infringement and stressed the need to re-invigorate institutional structures to block areas of leakages in order to rake in more revenue for the government and also allow artistes to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

He also enjoined players in the creative industry to buy into the innovative ways the government is employing to fight piracy through the Digital Switch Over in broadcasting.

“I think you also have to buy into the new digitization programme of the Federal Government because that will be a more effective way to fighting piracy than what we have today…… When you release your work online then there are no CDs to pirate. If I want to buy I (must) pay and it comes straight to me,” he remarked.

The Minister said another advantage of the digital regime is the multiplicity of channels to broadcast content, thereby creating more demand for content.

He said the government is working to turn the creative industry into a viable economy and appealed for private sector investment in production and post-production studios as a deliberate effort to curb capital flight to countries with hi-tech production infrastructure.

“If you can convince the private sector on the viability of the creative industry, you are going to see change. What the private sector needs are figures, data and balance-sheet,” said Alhaji Mohammed.

The Minister also sought the support of PMAN towards the National Re-orientation Campaign of the Federal Government, tagged “Change Begins with Me,” which is to be launched soon, saying creative artistes are influential members of the society who can take the message of change in attitude to the various strata of society.

He agreed to partner with PMAN to organise a Creative Economy Conference with a view to bringing on board all stakeholders to brainstorm on the development of the industry.

In his remarks, the President of the Caretaker Committee of PMAN, Mr. Pretty Okafor, said the music industry is the biggest employer of labour in Nigeria with over 12 million people gainfully engaged.

Mr. Okafor said according to a recent study, the nation’s creativity industry is worth N15 trillion, but that over N10 trillion is lost through national and global piracy.

He said government stands to earn N3 trillion annually in both Value Added Tax and taxable income through the introduction of systematic ways to track revenue accruing to the sector and curbing piracy.
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MUSIC

Flytime Fest: Wizkid, Omah Lay, Zlatan Perform As Gunna & Olamide Headline Event

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Reporter

Flytime Fest: Gunna & Olamide headline event | fab.ng

Olamide thrilled fans at the 2024 Flytime Fest, marking the return of the highly anticipated annual festival. The Grammy-nominated rapper made a grand comeback to the prestigious stage of Eko Hotel, headlining one of Nigeria’s most celebrated music events.

Sharing the spotlight with American rapper Gunna, who performed in Nigeria for the first time, Olamide brought unmatched energy to the festival.

Gunna delivered a dynamic set featuring his chart-topping hits like “Fukumean,” “Yosemite,” and “Drip Too Hard.” He created an unforgettable experience for the audience.

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Olamide’s 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. The YBNL boss released multiple guest features and his 10th solo project, Ikigai.

At the festival, he performed an electrifying medley of his iconic hits, showcasing the songs that have defined Nigerian music and solidified his dominance in the industry for over a decade. His stage presence left fans in awe and reaffirmed his legendary status.

The event also featured appearances by Afrobeats stars such as Omah Lay, Reminisce, Zlatan, and Bella Shmurda.

They have all previously collaborated with Olamide. Each artist brought their unique flair, elevating the night’s excitement.

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To the audience’s delight, Grammy-winning superstar Wizkid made a surprise appearance. He performed tracks from his groundbreaking sixth album, Morayo, adding another layer of brilliance to the event.

The Flytime Fest, renowned for delivering top-tier entertainment, continues on December 24 and 25. The lineup promises headline performances from Grammy-nominated Ayra Starr and Davido, ensuring the festival concludes on a high note.

With such stellar acts and unforgettable moments, the 2024 Flytime Fest cements its place as a highlight of Nigeria’s entertainment calendar.

Check out more music updates here.

ENTERTAINMENT

OdumoduBlvck Recounts How Don Jazzy Gifted Him $10,000

Published

5 days ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

OdumoduBlvck on how Don Jazzy gifted him $10,000 | fab.ng

OdumoduBlvck recently praised Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy in an interview with Beats FM.

The rapper discussed his latest project, “Nothing Changed,” a collaborative effort with the Anti-World Gangsters crew. The album features Don Jazzy on the track “Asampete.”

OdumoduBlvck revealed that after recording “Asampete,” he felt the song would benefit from Don Jazzy’s contribution. When approached, Don Jazzy readily agreed to the request.

During their meeting, Don Jazzy not only added his vocals to the song but also surprised OdumoduBlvck with a generous gift of $10,000.

Impressively, Don Jazzy declined any royalties for his contribution to the track.

“When I went to his house to get his vocals, he gave me $10,000 and even my friend was asking me why he gave me such a huge amount of money,” he narrated in the interview.

OdumoduBlvck further praised Don Jazzy, describing him as the most original personality in the Nigerian music industry and a true icon.

“There’s nobody more original than Don Jazzy…The way the younger artists look up to Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, and Olamide today is how they used to look up to Don Jazzy”.

OdumoduBlvck’s praise for Don Jazzy’s generosity and influence on the Nigerian music industry echoes sentiments expressed by numerous artists whose careers have been shaped by the Mavin Records boss.

Four-time Grammy nominee Davido has credited Don Jazzy and D’banj’s flamboyant lifestyle for inspiring him to relocate to Nigeria and pursue his musical aspirations.

Don Jazzy’s philanthropic endeavours also continue to make headlines. Recently, he donated a substantial sum of 100 million naira to Very Dark Man’s charity.

Check out more updates here.

MUSIC

Tems Debut Album Ranks #2 On Billboard’s R&B List Of 2024

Published

5 days ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Tems debut album hits #2 on Billboard's R&B list of 2024 | fab.ng

Tems’ Global Impact: A Billboard Recognition

Tems, a global music sensation, has solidified her position as one of Africa’s most successful artists, with her album captivating millions of fans worldwide and garnering numerous prestigious awards.

In a recent testament to her talent, her debut album secured the second spot on Billboard’s list of the best R&B albums of 2025.

This remarkable achievement places Tems alongside renowned artists such as Chris Brown, PartyNextDoor, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.

Furthermore, Billboard has praised Tems’ music for transcending the boundaries of Afrobeats, resonating with audiences across the globe.

“The Nigerian star finds her footing in the global spotlight and stands firmly in her purpose on her dazzling debut album Born in the Wild.

“She opens up about surviving her mental wilderness and learning to thrive in it on the opening acoustic ballad that shares the album’s title.

“And on the mid-tempo standout “Burning,” Tems confronts the trappings of her newfound stardom but finds comfort in the collective struggle. As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb.

“Born in the Wild became her highest-charting project on Top R&B Albums (reaching No. 5) and marked her career-first entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 56.

“And while Born in the Wild and “Love Me JeJe” earned Tems 2025 Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance, respectively, her best R&B song nod for “Burning” further reinforced the rich diversity of her music– and the notion that African artists like Tems cannot be bound to the catchall “Afrobeats” term, as their music has traveled well past the borders of the continent. – H.M.”

Tems’ debut album, “Born In The Wild,” received critical acclaim in the United States.

Indeed, the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album.

Additionally, her single “Burning” broke records by securing a nomination for Best R&B Song. Meanwhile, “Love Me Jeje” received a nomination for Best African Music Performance.

Check out more music updates here.