It is no longer news that the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has been approved by the Nigerian government as the sole Collective Management Organisation for music and sound recordings in Nigeria. There are necessary implications and indeed many uncertainties arising from this approval that bear on the operations of many people’s businesses. It is therefore necessary for stakeholders in the Nigerian entertainment and media industries to really understand this approval and how it might affect their various interests. It is on this basis that a SELECT STAKEHOLDERS FORUM was organized by COSON. The forum was designed as an interactive session for stakeholders to discuss all issues arising from the development. The forum was held on the 1st of July, 2010 at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja and it was well attended. In fact it was so well attended that the hall was filled to the brim and some people had to stand while some others stood outside. Representatives of and journalists from almost all media houses were present; artistes and musicians were also very present; record label owners didn’t stay away; representatives of PMAN and other organizations were also present; and yes, entertainment lawyers were present too.
I felt honored to have received an invitation and I even felt more honored to have been present at such a meeting, to have witnessed the beginning of progress and development of the entertainment industry in a way and manner that Nigeria has never seen. Many things were said by many people; many questions were asked and answered; many opinions were voiced and many uncertainties were cleared; in fact, a lot of passion, energy and emotion were also seen; and most importantly, a lot of objectivity was displayed. A lot of the things that were said were issues of law, some of which I have previously discussed through this medium and many of which I will still discuss.
However, in my opinion, the singular most important statement that was made at the forum was made by Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and one time President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN). He said: this train is moving and is not waiting or stopping for anybody. Those words hit me straight in the middle of the eyes just like Charlie Parker’s notes hit John Coltrane the first time he heard them. Now, this is not to say I consider them the most creative lines I ever heard but that I felt them strongly and it’s not the aesthetics of those words that make them the most important thing said at the gathering but rather, the energy and determination that the words carry. ‘The moving train’, I interpreted as a metaphor for collective management of copyright administration and trains, being what they are, don’t stop or wait for people once they start moving. The only option for interested passengers is to get on board before the train starts moving or find a way to jump in after it has started moving – but one thing is certain, trains don’t wait and stop.
The direct implication of those words is that COSON, as the sole Collective Management Organization for music and sound recordings in Nigeria can be compared to a train; and this train is definitely moving – going to immediately swing into action, in fact it has already swung into action; is not going to be sluggish, hesitant, or inactive by waiting or stopping; and it is not going to be so sluggish, hesitant or inactive either for the benefit of any individual, group of individuals, organizations, companies or corporations or so that any of the listed may get on board. The aim and purpose of COSON is above any individual interest. There is an underlining promise made by the Chairman of COSON in those words – efficiency. There is also the underlining call to all stakeholders, in the spirit of cooperation, to join in making Copyright Collective Management system a success in Nigeria.
I must mention that though the statement was made rather in passing, it would have sufficed as a concluding statement. This is because it captures the entire mood and discussions at the forum. All that members of the board of COSON, such as Chief Tony Okoroji himself, Efe Omorogbe and Obi Asika, said can be summarized in those words that indeed the train is moving. Also, all questions asked by all representatives of organizations implied an understanding that the train would not be waiting or stopping for anyone.
Justin Ige is a Legal Practitioner. (mailjustinige@gmail.com, 08023897112 Creativelegal.blogspot.com)This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace legal counsel.
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