“We Can’t Settle The Royalty Dispute Between Mohbad And Naira Marley” – Performing Musician Association (PMAN)
In a recent report, the President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Mr. Pretty Okafor, revealed that the body can not interfere into the dispute between Late. Mohbad, and his former record label, Marlian Records, regarding unpaid royalties.
According to him, this decision is hinged on the point that the late singer was not a member of their association before his sudden demise.
He pointed out that there are many benefits for musicians registered under their association, ranging from resolving contractual issues between musicians and record labels.
He further urged new musicians to see the need to join the Union, so that their right can be protected.
I’m his words;
“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.
“Some of them believe that PMAN is archaic. Some of them believe that it is only for old people. Some of them, the record labels manipulate their psyche not to make them stay under the authority of PMAN that is why this kind of crisis emerged.
“So if we reach out to the record label association they will need to reach out to their artistes. They must be a member of PMAN so that we can protect their interests and also protect the interest of the record label owners because they are supposed to get certification from PMAN.
“The structure has been that the record label association and record label owners must be registered members of the union so that they can be monitored and guided. Same with the musicians. Also the music managers are supposed to be part.
“We have a lot of people under PMAN including Tuface, MI, Banky and so on. They all belong to the association. But the younger ones maybe their managers and record labels were not passing positive messages to them and that is why it was difficult for them to join the union.
“So when the crisis started I personally wanted to interfere but I could not …. That is the main reason for being a PMAN member. Because of contractual issues. PMAN like I said the record labels are also registered certified carriers of PMAN certificate to operate the record label.
“Then the artists are members. So, the burden is on PMAN to now call the record labels to the table and call the artist and his management to the table and address it. Because we have a legal team, they handle that.” He said.
