The President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Pretty Okafor, has revealed that Ilerioluwa Aloba, professionally known as Mohbad, was not affiliated with the association.
News About Nigeria gathered that the revelation had raised concerns regarding the administration of royalties for the late artiste’s music.
Okafor made this disclosure on Wednesday while testifying before a House of Representatives Committee on Justice, which is investigating the controversial circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s untimely death.
Mohbad, a 27-year-old singer, passed away on September 12, 2023, and since then, videos depicting alleged harassment and intimidation by his former record label have circulated widely.
Addressing the members of the committee, Okafor expressed his disappointment over the failure of many new artistes to join PMAN.
He emphasised that PMAN membership comes with significant benefits, including the resolution of contractual disputes between musicians and their record labels.
“We engage the Music Managers Association of Nigeria. We engage the record label association of Nigeria, and we also engage the artistes. That is why it is difficult to manage the crisis that has erupted now,” Okafor stated.
He further explained that some artistes perceive PMAN as outdated or suitable only for older musicians.
Additionally, record labels sometimes influence artistes not to associate with PMAN, contributing to the current crisis.
To address the situation effectively, Okafor stressed the importance of artistes being PMAN members, noting that this would facilitate the protection of their interests and those of record label owners, who should also obtain certification from PMAN.
In response, Selzing Zingfa, the lawyer representing the late Mohbad, revealed that the late singer had unresolved issues with his former record label, Marlian Records.
“Mohbad and Marlian Records had certain arrangements which I cannot term as a record label agreement, and this is currently a subject of litigation,” Zingfa stated.
He further detailed how the litigation pertained to songs released by Mohbad and related revenue.
Zingfa added, “What we have been trying to retrieve before his demise and currently are the EP and singles. Those are still being controlled by Marlian Records and distributed through their distributors.
“That is what we have been in court trying to resolve until now, up until his demise, and we are still in court for that.”
Chairman of the Committee, Olumide Osoba, reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensuring the resolution of issues related to Mohbad’s royalties and financial affairs.
As the investigation continues, a spotlight is cast on the complexities of royalty management and artist affiliations in the Nigerian music industry.
