Excerpt- A Nation’s Identity Crisis By Reuben Abati | Response By Banky W

“This music industry has given hope, jobs and income to countless youth of today. We are Rappers, Singers, Producers, Sound Engineers, Managers, Promoters, Marketing Consultants, Record Label Owners and we will not apologize for making the best of our circumstances; and all this in spite of the fact that we have Marketers that exploit but refuse to pay for our Musical pieces, Royalties and Publishing income that hitherto has been non-existent, a Government that is just now very slowly starting to enforce anti-piracy laws, and Event Organizers that would rather pay 50 Cent One Million US Dollars than give D’banj or P-Square 5 Million Naira.”      - Banky W.
Clearly stated, are burdens shared and suffered by many. So the question is:
-When?
…, will this unlawful exploitation stop?
….will the industry publish updates on income and royalties?
…, will the industry implement a proper and credible distribution chain?
….will we rid, or at least minimize the effect of piracy?

-Why?
….is the Government taking forever to sanitize the industry that claims to be worth a whooping 5 Trillion Naira, and has over the years created jobs and income for many?
….do album rights have to be sold to unscrupulous entities, who make money from other people’s sweat and endeavour, while the artiste suffers the brunt?

-How?
…, then do we resolve the issue of Transparency?
…, do artistes earn royalties for musical pieces they have invested so many resources into?
….does the industry intend to implement due processes that will achieve standards which can match the spotlight it is enjoying?

‘Sigh’….
I could give endless answers to the questions raised, but it’s not about what I think….there are more questions to be asked…, limitless answers to them…, but the aim is to reach a resolve. We are one nation….one people….one drive…, so what do we do?

Watch this space