PMAN SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ENFORCE MUSIC ROYALTY PAYMENTS IN BAYELSA

The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Bayelsa State chapter, has signed an executive order to regulate the use of music in public places and enforce the payment of annual permits as royalties to the association.

The order was signed by the Bayelsa State Governor of PMAN, Comrade Tuebi Sapere-Obi, at the maiden edition of the association’s summit held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Ekeki, Yenagoa, on Thursday.

The summit brought together key stakeholders in the music and creative industry, including artistes, producers, promoters, media practitioners, policymakers and other industry players, to deliberate on growth, structure, opportunities and sustainable development within Bayelsa’s music ecosystem.

Speaking with journalists, Sapere-Obi said the executive order would pave the way for the enforcement of revenue collection from individuals and organisations using music for commercial purposes.

He said, “This means we will now commence the collection of revenue from those using our music for business. From April, they will be duly notified. We are also signing an executive order to ensure that the government includes PMAN in its activities.”

The association’s legal adviser, Barrister Aniso Abraham, said the move was aimed at enabling PMAN to take its rightful place in the industry. He explained that once the order takes effect, users of music would be mandated to make annual payments or risk legal action for infringement.

“When this executive order becomes effective, it will be communicated to various music users, who will be compelled to make annual payments. Failure to comply will amount to infringement on the rights of our members, and legal action will be taken,” he said.

In a keynote address titled, “Bayelsa Music as Catalyst for Tourism Development and Economic Growth,” digital creator, Mr Deji Kunuji, said the state’s music industry had the potential to promote tourism, create employment opportunities and project Bayelsa’s cultural heritage, particularly through Ijaw music.
He called on government and other stakeholders to invest in the music sector to unlock its economic potential.

Also speaking, Lady Golda C. Alexander, PMAN National Representative, urged artistes to understand the business side of music, remain authentic and support one another despite prevailing challenges in the industry.

Reported by Bright Okpo