AFRIMA, the All Africa Music Awards, has stressed the need of regulating and institutionalizing the music entertainment business as it joins millions of African youths and music lovers in mourning the death of Nigerian musician Mohbad (actual name Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba).
Mohbad died on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in an occurrence that sparked widespread public outrage.
The 27-year-old aspiring music sensation, also known as Imole (Light), was a young and extremely promising musician whose inventiveness and incredible ability enabled him to compose very exhilarating songs that touched the hearts of millions of admirers worldwide.
Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, stated in a statement that while Africa has lost a potential talent in its expanding music business in a terrible manner, institutionalization of the music/entertainment sector remains a major priority in reducing piracy.
He said; “On behalf of the International Committee of AFRIMA, we condole with Nigeria’s music industry, parents and fans of Mohbad, over his painful demise. The death of Mohbad is a tragic event that has left us all deeply saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.
With his demise, Africa has lost a promising talent in our growing music and entertainment industry. We pray God to grant him eternal rest and grant his parents, family, and teeming fans the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.
AFRIMA is spearheading efforts to mobilize stakeholders in the creative industry in Africa, with a focus on Nigeria, to establish institutionalized operations and regulate the music entertainment industry.
It is necessary to have a law that regulates the music industry to prevent it from becoming an unregulated free-for-all, as currently, the entry requirements are low such that anyone can just wake up and establish a music record label.
To address this issue, African countries must establish a Music Institute to certify practitioners regularly.
AFRIMA urges stakeholders, including relevant government officials and agencies, artists, record labels, A&R, producers, promoters, artiste’s managers, brands, songwriters, DJs & video vixens, video directors, equipment production and rental companies, publishing companies, streaming service companies, entertainment lawyers, royalty companies, choreographers/dancers, entertainment/music journalists and media, culture and music enthusiast, other supporting professionals: cameramen, editors, make-up, hairstylist, costumiers, among others, to participate in this crucial process. We urge stakeholders to submit their proposed legislation for review and consideration.”
AFRIMA’s worries are similar to the plea for justice for the late artist, whose death has raised suspicions of foul play. The Nigerian Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death, and the public is waiting for the results.
Musicians and celebrities from Nigeria and throughout the world, including Kodak Black, Lil Durk, and Meek Mill, have all paid homage to the late Street Hop phenomenon, whose music has seen a revival on Nigerian streaming platforms.
