Entertainment
Mohbad: Lawmaker vows to secure compensation, royalties for late singer
The House of Representatives assured on Wednesday that it would ensure the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, receives proper compensation and royalties for his music.
This assurance came following a motion of urgent public importance moved earlier by Rep Babajimi Benson (APC-Lagos) to secure the royalties of Mohbad’s songs.
Rep Olumide Osoba (APC-Ogun), Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, made this commitment during an interactive session on the rights and royalties related to Mohbad’s music.
Hon. Osoba emphasised the significance of securing compensation and royalties, acknowledging that these payments are essential sources of income for musicians.
He stated that such measures would enable artists to sustain their careers, create new music, and build a future within the industry.
He also pointed out that the current system often falls short in adequately protecting and providing for young musicians concerning their royalty rights.
Many emerging artists face challenges when negotiating fair royalty agreements, particularly when dealing with major record labels, which often wield significant power and can impose unfavourable terms, resulting in artists receiving only a fraction of the royalties they deserve.
“It is crucial to recognise that young musicians are often not well-informed about their rights when entering into contracts,” he said.
This knowledge gap places them at a disadvantage, as they may not fully grasp the complex legal intricacies surrounding royalty rights.
He further noted that the responsibility rests on society to bridge the knowledge gap and ensure that young musicians are aware of their rights while having access to legal support that safeguards their interests.
According to him, to address these issues, it is vital to work towards implementing stronger regulations and support systems within the industry.
This includes advocating for more transparent and standardised contracts for all artists, irrespective of their age or experience, to level the playing field and prevent the exploitation of young talent.
He emphasised that efforts should be made to provide accessible legal advice and assistance to young musicians through organisations, unions, or educational programmes.
Equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to understand and negotiate contracts will empower them to protect their rights and secure fair compensation for their creative contributions.
“Additionally, there is a need to adapt the music industry to the digital age.
While digital streaming platforms have revolutionised music consumption and distribution, young musicians often struggle to earn a substantial income due to outdated royalty structures.”
“Advocating for revised royalty models that accurately reflect the value of music in the streaming era is essential,” he said.
The committee is committed to this responsibility, adding that they have requested relevant information regarding the circumstances of his death and the measures in place to secure his royalties and other benefits, with a deadline of next week to expedite their action on this assignment.
He mentioned that the committee also welcomes any other information or challenges hindering the implementation of the rights and royalties of musicians.
The committee will ensure that the rights of young musicians regarding royalties are of paramount importance.
He stressed that collective efforts should be made to guarantee that they receive fair compensation for their hard work and artistic contributions.
According to him, by promoting transparency, education, and change within the industry, a future can be created where young musicians have a fair chance to thrive and build sustainable careers.
It would be recalled that Mohbad passed away on September 12 under mysterious circumstances.
He said this underscored the urgency of addressing issues related to the rights and protection of royalties for young and upcoming artists in our country.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde clarifies viral reports claiming she fled Los Angeles due to wildfires, confirming she has been in Nigeria since December 2024
Famous Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has addressed viral reports suggesting she fled Los Angeles to Nigeria to escape the ongoing wildfires.
In a statement posted on her Instagram, Omotola clarified that the reports were inaccurate.
The actress had shared on January 9, 2025, that she had arrived in Nigeria, stating:
“Touchdown Abuja. When my American fans follow me back to Nigeria. I had to evacuate in 20 minutes. Please, guys, stay safe out there. If you have family in LA, check on them.”
This post led to widespread speculation that Omotola had been forced to leave LA due to the devastating wildfires ravaging California.
The fires, which have displaced over 137,000 people and claimed more than 30 lives, including Hollywood actress Dalyce Curry, have had a significant impact on many.
However, Omotola swiftly dispelled these claims in a statement shared on Instagram. She reassured her followers:
“I want to take a moment to address the incredible outpouring of concern and support I have received regarding the fires in Los Angeles. To set the record straight: My family and I are safe.
However, I have seen reports suggesting that I had to leave the U.S. because of the fire. This is inaccurate. I have been in Nigeria since December 2024, and I’m still here presently. While I deeply cherish my connection to LA, these fires were not the reason for my travel.”
The wildfires have affected numerous A-list celebrities, including actors, singers, and other public figures, adding to the widespread concern over the crisis.
Omotola’s clarification serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information, especially in the age of social media, where viral reports can often distort the truth.
Tiwa Savage addresses fans’ safety concerns following a viral video of her swimming with sharks, highlighting the ironic dangers of the music industry in a follow-up Instagram post
Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage has responded to the growing safety concerns after a viral video of her swimming with sharks made rounds on social media.
Also read: Tiwa Savage reveals divine reason behind delay in career breakthrough
The Afrobeat star shared an underwater clip on her Instagram story, where she appeared unfazed while swimming in close proximity to the intimidating marine creatures, donning an oxygen mask.
In the video, Tiwa expressed excitement about fulfilling one of her long-held bucket list items. She instructed the cameraman to capture the sea floor as she calmly swam beside the sharks, explaining how thrilled she was to finally check this experience off her list.
Despite her composed demeanor, the video quickly sparked a wave of concern among fans, with many fearing the risks of being so close to such powerful predators.
In a follow-up Instagram story, Tiwa took a light-hearted but pointed jab at her concerned fans, saying, “Everyone worried about me swimming with sharks but the ones in this music industry are more [expletive] dangerous.”
This comment underscored her belief that the real dangers in her life often come from the unpredictable and sometimes perilous dynamics within the music industry itself.
Seun Oloketuyi has been appointed to the advisory board of the Kaduna International Film Festival, aiming to promote Nigerian talent globally.
Seun Oloketuyi, renowned for his influential contributions to Nollywood and the broader African creative sector, has been appointed as a member of the advisory board for the Kaduna International Film Festival (KDIFF).
This prestigious appointment highlights Oloketuyi’s ongoing dedication to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry and his commitment to empowering the next generation of creative talent across Africa.
Also read: Nollywood Film Festival set to honour industry veterans, stakeholders
Founded in 2018, the Kaduna International Film Festival has quickly become a major cultural platform, not only promoting the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria but also serving as a powerful catalyst for tourism, youth empowerment, and peace-building efforts in northern Nigeria.
As the region’s first international film festival, KDIFF plays a pivotal role in bridging the gaps within the local film and creative industries, facilitating growth and inclusion at a national level.
In his new role, Oloketuyi, who also serves as the founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards and chairman of the Advisory Board for the Bon Awards, expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the festival’s objectives.
He outlined his determination to leverage his extensive experience to further KDIFF’s mission of highlighting Nigeria’s dynamic creative scene while empowering young filmmakers and artists to showcase their work globally.
“I am deeply honoured by the opportunity to contribute to the Kaduna International Film Festival,” Oloketuyi remarked in his statement.
“I look forward to working alongside the KDIFF leadership to advance the growth of the Nigerian film industry and to create a platform where our nation’s finest creative minds can shine.”
Oloketuyi’s involvement in the festival aligns with his long-standing passion for fostering Nigerian talent and expanding the reach of Nollywood and African cinema worldwide.
His appointment will no doubt strengthen the festival’s ability to attract international attention and provide Nigerian filmmakers with a platform to compete on a global stage.
This collaboration underscores the significance of the Kaduna International Film Festival as a key player in Nigeria’s creative industry.
With the support of experts like Oloketuyi, the festival aims to continue making strides in promoting Nigerian and African cinema, advancing cultural exchange, and contributing to the development of the regional film industry.
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