Reiterating its commitment to the case, Rep. Osoba informed that the committee has requested relevant information regarding Mohbad’s death as well as his royalties and other benefits.
The House of Representatives has taken the lead to ensure that the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, receives proper compensation and royalties from his music.
Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Rep. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ondo), disclosed this during an interactive session on the rights and royalties related to Mohbad’s music.
Recall that Mohbad passed away on Sept 12, under suspicious circumstances, and a motion of urgent public importance seeking to secure the royalties of Mohbad’s songs and lyrics was adopted by the House.
Rep. Osoba emphasised the significance of securing compensation and royalties, acknowledging that these payments are essential sources of income for musicians, adding that it enables artists to sustain their careers, create new music, and build a future within the industry.
He, however, said that the current system often falls short in adequately protecting and providing for young musicians concerning their royalty rights.
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According to him, 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 unfavorable terms, resulting in artists receiving only a fraction of the royalties they deserve.
“It is crucial to recognize that young musicians are often not well-informed about their rights when entering into contracts. Such a gap places them at a disadvantage, as they may not fully grasp the complex legal intricacies surrounding royalty rights.”
He said 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.
To address these issues, the lawmaker said “it is vital to work towards implementing stronger regulations and support systems within the industry.
“This includes advocating for more transparent and standardized contracts for all artists, irrespective of their age or experience, to level the playing field and prevent the exploitation of young talent.”
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Osoba further noted the need for efforts to be made for the provision of accessible legal advice and assistance to young musicians through organizations, unions, or educational programs.
“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 revolutionized 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 informed that the committee has begun requesting relevant information regarding the circumstances of his death and the measures put in place to secure his royalties and other benefits.
This, he said is with a deadline of next week to expedite their action on this assignment.
“The committee 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. This would promote 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,” he stated.
