96 musicians banned from radio and TV as COSON/BON war gets Interesting

The Broadcast Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) have pronounced a ban on the airing of the musical works of 2face Idibia, D’banj, Omawumi and Onyeka Onwenu. Their music has been suspended from airing on the country’s TV and radio stations with immediate effect.

Also affected by the ban are Iyanya, Olamide, Dr Sid, Sammie Okposo, Banky W, Wizkid, 9ice, Flavour, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Ice Prince, Timaya, Sound Sultan, Sir Shina Peters, Ras Kimono, Wale Thompson, Kollington Ayinla, Adewale Ayuba, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and many other artistes registered under the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON).

The ban was pronounced on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 in a press release jointly signed by Sonny Adun and Guy Murray-Bruce who are IBAN Chairman and Secretary respectively.

Excerpts from the statement read thus, ‘The Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN), in alignment with Broadcasters Organization of Nigeria (BON) hereby informs the general public that the music of the following Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) Registered Artistes/Members is hereby suspended from airing on our stations with immediate effect.’

While BON comprises of all the broadcast stations, both government and privately owned, IBAN is made up of independent (privately owned) stations, and have both frequently questioned COSON’s tactics. COSON had earlier instituted a suit against BON. The case is still pending at the Federal High Court.

A battle has been ongoing between IBAN and COSON over payment of royalties for broadcast music by radio stations in the country. According to IBAN, the action was taken ‘principally as a result of COSON’s attitude of antagonism and harassment under the leadership of Tony Okoroji‘. In the last few months, COSON has been very insistent on the enforcement of royalty fees for the airing of musical works belonging to its members and affiliates; although some continue to question their tactics, as well as the workability of having a solely collecting society.
http://thenet.ng/2013/12/net-special-report-96-musicians-banned-from-radio-and-tv-as-cosonbon-war-gets-messier/