PMAN In Biometric Identity Card Launch, Distribution

Uzo Chikere

In the midst of factional rift occasioned by leadership squabbles within the ranks of the Pretty Okafor-led Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), the musicians’ body has made bold strides with the formal launch of its Biometric Identification Project by handing out the new identity cards to a handful of its registered members last Sunday in Lagos.

The event which took place at the prestigious Planet 1 Events Place Lagos attracted a huge crowd of key entertainment industry players, musicians, top corporate personalities among others.

Addressing the enthusiastic gathering, the PMAN president, Pretty Okafor, stated that the launch of the Biometric Card Project being witnessed was the climax in the reconstruction of the musicians’ body, adding that it was the same case with the scheduled conference dubbed “Colour of Music Conference” to hold after the launch.

According to Pretty, the biometric card is designed to serve the primary purpose of data base development by gathering and managing proper records of persons involved in music business in Nigeria.

Said he: “We want to gather and manage proper records of persons involved in music business in Nigeria. The card will identify and authenticate individual and group participation in Nigeria’s emerging music industry. It will avail holders a range of special benefits that are relevant to their operations in the industry”.

Other benefits of the card to the holders, include access to bar-code and locking of their musical works, films and other intellectual property through the Global System One (GS1)to prevent unauthorized duplications or free usage of their works anywhere around the world; it guarantees payment of royalties through the Nigerian Inter Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) as well as qualifies them and four members of their respective family members to the special Health Insurance Scheme renewable annually among others.

The project is a product of PMAN partnership with such corporate organisations as Airtel Nigeria, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, Unity Bank, Union Bank, and Skye Bank. Others are, Hogg Robinson, Royal Exchange and Capital 3.

While expressing his gratitude the organisations for their support, the PMAN boss, described them as the very special drivers of the faith-changing solution that would form the fulcrum of of the enhancement of a long neglected business activity in Nigeria, just as he praised their sense of belief in the project.      

  

Olu Maintain's 'Maintain Reloaded' Glittering 8 Years After

Uzo Chikere

Bottom of Form

In 2007, Olu Maintain who had split from the pop group, Maintain and left Big Bamo, dropped his debut solo album Maintain Reloaded.

After playing in the shadows due to the drama surrounding him and Tolu Maintain's pop existence, Olu Maintain re-branded himself as the overlord of 'swagger'- the contemporary slang at that time that defined coolness.

His lead single 'Yahooze' was a napalm that blew up the scene that served as the soundtrack of the notorious 'Yahoo' sub-culture that had embedded itself within the core of the youth scene at that period. It was a glittering dedication to Nigerians' love for materialism and opulence. The addictive song peaked when the former US Secretary of State Colin Powell did the Yahooze dance.

That was the impact of this album back in 2008. It was a flashy body of work that pitched itself against D'banj's high-energy and fun style of music. No wonder they were rivals back then.

While the album had other hit tracks such as 'Jedi Jedi' featuring Konga, and 'Fantasy', Olu Maintain was conscious enough to drop emotional, and introspective gems like the guitar driven opener 'Story Of My Life', and the re-introductory song '2nd Chance'. 

While the album certainly has skippable sings such as 'Aroma', 'Maintain Reloaded' was one of the best pop albums of the last decade.

It's a shame that producer Puffy Tee and Olu Maintain aren't as hot as they once was. Their combination started the crafting of materialistic pop ditties now milked by today's pop stars who sing about luxury Italian brands and sport cars.

Olu reloaded himself, and lit the fire for opulence in Nigerian pop music.

JIMMY JATT, 2face, Olamide, Phyno, OthersTo headline Industry Nite Afrima Edition

Uzo Chikere

Bottom of Form

Industry Nite, a weekly event pulling together promising artistes, super stars artistes, record label executives, brand managers, music producers, video directors, DJs, artistes managers, media, and fans will host All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA on Wednesday July 1, 2015 in a special edition at Spice Route on Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In partnership with Beat 99.9 FM, AFRIMA industry nite for Nigeria music industry stakeholders will be hosted by Beat FM’s Jimmie and Olisa Adibua with DJ Spinall as the official DJ. The best part about this event is that it’s FREE!

All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union, AU is conceptualised to celebrate, showcase and reward the musical culture of the African race in 34 award categories. Entry submission for the awards is currently ongoing on the AFRIMA website (www.Afrima.org) and will close on July 20, 2015 across the world. Artistes and other stakeholders will have the opportunity of more information about the award at the industry nite.

Some of the artistes performing at the Industry nite to celebrate AFRIMA, the continental award project seeks to reward excellence in the continent’s music and media industry as well as maximally expose African tourism and culture to a worldwide audience are; Cynthia Morgan, Lil Kesh, Kiss Daniel, Solid Star, Simi, Niniola, Tjan, Rayce, Sunkanmi, Mr 2Kay, Rcube, Dammy Krane, Adekunle Gold, Aramide. Rayce, Joel, harmony and a lot more.

Guest artistes of the nite include; 2face, Phyno, Olamide, Sound Sultan, Iyanya, Dj Jimmy Jatt, Raw, 9ice and more.

The 2015 AFRIMA main awards ceremony will hold in Nigeria in November amidst glittery, star-studded and world-class event with live performances and television broadcast to major media stations around the world.

Okoroji Calls For Imortalization Of dan Maraya Jos

Chairman Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji has expressed profound sadness at the passing away of the iconic composer, instrumentalist and performer, Dr. Adamu Dan Maraya Jos.

Chief Okoroji who is away in Europe sent a message saying that he was shattered at the news of the death of the great musician celebrated across the country and beyond.

According to Chief Okoroji, “For many years, I have had a special relationship with the great Dan Maraya Jos. I remain a fan of his, mystified by his stupendous talent. He was my friend in all seasons. Throughout my tenure as president of PMAN up to my present period as Chairman of COSON, Dan Maraya was an unflinching supporter always urging me on. The news of his death has left me numb. Dan Maraya was not just a great talent but an incredibly polished gentleman, humble beyond belief. His yes was his yes and every word of his was a bond.

‘The last time we were in each other’s company was at the COSON Extra Ordinary General Meeting at Lagos Airport Hotel in December 2014. He was hale, hearty and happy. After the meeting, I saw him to the car and we discussed my paying him a visit in Jos. My previous visits to Jos had been very memorable as the great Dan Maraya would be my chauffer, driving me everywhere and making sure I did not lack anything. Dr. Dan Maraya rarely came to Lagos without bringing me fresh fruits and fresh farm products from the plateau. We had a unique likeness for each other.

‘Nigeria has lost a prodigious talent who for many years held millions spell bound with a voice that caressed different octaves like that of a nightingale. His simple one string instrument from which he created unique rhythms and melodies and the unforgettable lyrics of this incredibly gifted poet will live in our hearts forever. I hope that both the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government will take steps to immortalize this extraordinary Nigerian who brought happiness to many across our nation’

Chief Okoroji concluded in the following words: “Of course, there will be more musicians who will come and go. There will be more polished gentlemen who will come and go but there will never be another Dan Maraya Jos”.