RAY POWER & AIT IN DEEP WATERS AS NIGERIAN MUSICIANS SUE FOR 10 BILLION NAIRA

 NIGERIAN MUSICIANS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF COSON HAVE FILLED A  N10 BILLION NAIRA SUIT AGAINST DOKPESI’S RAY POWER & AIT  IN WHAT IS KNOWN AS AFRICA’S BIGGEST COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT ACTION 

 Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Nigeria’s government approved collective management organization for musical works and sound recordings, who collects royalties on behalf of Nigerian musicians, has filed a Ten Billion naira copyright infringement action against Daar Communications Plc, Nigeria’s biggest privately owned broadcast network which operates stations such as Ray Power FM, Faaji FM and Africa Independent Television (AIT) scattered all over Nigeria. The suit No. FHC/L/CS/1392/13 filed on October 7, 2013 on behalf of COSON at the Federal High Court, Lagos by crack Intellectual Property lawyer, Mr. Justin Ige, is the biggest known copyright infringement action ever in the African continent.

In the action, COSON on behalf of Nigerian musicians is asking for the sum of N724, 500, 000. 00 (Seven Hundred and Twenty Four Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) being amount due as royalties or license fees.

COSON is also asking for general and exemplary damages and a perpetual injunction restraining Ray Power FM, Faaji FM and Africa Independent Television (AIT) managed by Chief Raymond Dokpesi, their agents, privies or servants from further or other unauthorized copying, broadcast of musical works or sound recordings belonging to the members, affiliates and assignors of COSON and/or infringement of the copyright in the musical works or sound recordings belonging to the members, affiliates and assignors of COSON.

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WHAT A PRESIDENTIAL CHAT: WHAT IS GEJ UP TO!!!

Over last weekend innocent lives to be précised of 40 students of Taraba state college of Agriculture were taken in their dormitory while sleeping by the suspected gun men of Boko Haram sect

Yet during his excellency media chat; the commander in chief of the federal republic of Nigeria-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on the 29^th of September 2013, when asked about the major problem of terrorism in Nigeria by the Boko Haram sect, especially about the death of the head of the sect-Abubakar Shakaul which  became questionable when Abubakar Shakaul allegedly said he was actually behind the ‘Tuesday Bombing; that he is not dead, even after the videos of him being killed by some police went viral. On this our dear President responded thus ‘’ I don’t know who is Abubakar Shakaul, haven’t seen him, don’t even know if he is the leader of the set, whether or not he is dead.’’ He further said that ‘’during the emergence of the Militants, a group of terrorists from the Niger- Delta, they were objective, when called upon to know what they really wanted; they never hesitated to come out, agreed to negotiate with the Government and eventually reached a compromise but it is the opposite in the case of Boko Haram sect, they haven’t shown their faces, neither have they agreed to come bring to the Government’s table what they actually wanted, even when an Amnesty committee  was set up by the Federal Government to look into Boko Haram, yet there have not been any feedback regarding who they really are, what they want or how to proffer solution’’

To be honest, this response is not satisfactory. What are you telling me……? If it has got to a point where the President is seemingly evasive about the whole chat on the media…..

Anyways, whilst listening right back on my sit, I was thinking………, he seems like a good man, maybe... let’s give him a break, he might be really compassionate and is doing what he thinks is the best for the country.

Maybe he is the right person trying to lay a different and the right foundation so as to do away with the wrong and corrupt ones, as you know it is not easy to build an entirely new foundation. This is evident on the number of Cabinet Reshufflings within last month where a good number of Ministers parted  also on the media where  he said ‘’a thief is a thief, in my tenure, I’ve made sure that the government money is not open for anyone to steal, not to talk of getting away with the act, the agricultural sector where a lot of fund has gone down the drain in the name of fertilizer had been critically looked into, some huge amount of money for the purchase of fertilizer were being squandered a particular clique In the Government. The fertilizer don’t eventually get to the farmer as planned, even if it does, it is to a minute set of farmers who unfortunately get sands packed to the half of their fertilizer bags. This we have taken care of which is not very easy on us.’’

Hope rising, he made the/our day by saying ‘’power is being taken care of, maybe in my next media chat, power won’t be a problem in Nigeria anymore.’’

Imagine; many businesses that will be revived, so many young entrepreneurs that will emerge because the cost for the purchase of Generator set and fueling/dieseling won’t be anyone’s Migraine anymore; the explosive number of terrorists and armed robbers reduced because artisans now have a very important tool of constant power to render good services.

'THE NIGERIA OF MY DREAM' By Victoria E.

My life is the synthesis of the happenings around me as a citizen of this country. The elders say that ''whatever does not kill one only makes one stronger''. It is not out of place for a young woman of my age to dream. Indeed i want to dream but the irregular supply of power makes it impossible for me to sleep for any considerable length of time. Erratic power supply has ensured the death of several business investments and reduced attraction for investments by high powered industries. Those who dare to do business are paying the price at too much of a premium. That makes basic service industries to be expensive and unreliable.

On the 1st october 1960, Nigeria, under the leadership of president Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe with the help of other visionaries got her independence. Apparently, what we had with the government then was just a fluke; we are free but slaves to some greedy and selfish leaders.

Violence is now seen as a gainful enterprise as terrorism is regarded as the feasible platform for Nigerian political opponents to get back at themselves. These are part of the major reasons a good number of Nigerian women are afraid to show interest in the politics.

Still, i forge ahead and have the courage to dream, even in the small snatches of sleep i manage to get. in my dream, behold; a land in Niger area with hills in the east, forests in the west, grasses in the north and rivers in the south, a land with enormous human and natural resources, my fatherland; Nigeria; a country where all the Nigerian women have a voice; A Nigeria where prostitution is no longer fashionable in government, higher institutions and the corporate world. Ultimately, in my dream, the government completely resolves the issues of strike and ensures proper regulation of funds allocated to its higher institutions and universities. I dream of a country where the police and other security agencies secure the citizens and not their pockets; A Nigeria where religious leaders do not make merchandise of their God, but lead by good examples and preach the gospel at all cost; a nation where the youth build businesses and the artisans master the craft of their artistry in other to provide not crappy but premium sevices; A nation where moral uprightness and transparency are the guiding principles of every citizen; a nation where the judiciary, police and all public servants despise corruption in every form and fashion; a country enjoying constant supply of power; a beautiful place, where the resources and wealth are evenly distributed, such that only a thin gap distinguishes the poor from the rich; A one Nigeria where there is peace and tranquility irrespective of our sociocultural, religious and ethnic leaning; where political parties are formed, based on the zeal to serve the fatherland, such that the government of the people will indeed be for the people and by the people.

VICTORIA . E

This dream is achievable if i accept to play my own part, just as the next man towards developing Nigeria. This is 'the Nigeria of my dream'.

THE ‘CHANGED’ CHRIS BROWN [THANKS CHRIS BROWN FOR PROVING ME WRONG]

You know what, some months back, thing I heard about this guy made me kind of wonder what was really wrong with him, I mean, his head. Don’t get it twisted, I used to be one of his fans and still am. After the whole Rihanna thing; after Chris Brown allegedly smacked Rihanna and was dealt with for it, he appeared to have lost his sanity, always being on the negative spotlight, like; kicking people up, causing noise pollution, by playing music all loud around his neighborhood, completely tinted his hair blonde and brows, black, tattoos all over his body, which obviously promises to get to the face soonest in order to complete his ‘good boy’ look.

Honestly, on hearing this, I was like ‘please dude, you are way too talented for all these confusion, that’s  quite immature of you; you need to continually stay out of trouble, please concentrate on your music and most importantly, you need Jesus now, just as I told your ex-Rihanna.

Ultimately, he was sentenced to one eighty (180)days of community service for assaulting his ex- girlfriend and a singer, Rihanna, the sentence was reinstated with 1000 days of community service because a certain woman claimed that he hit her car and attempted to run away. Although the charges were later dropped, but he was ordered to complete his probation in the next one year. Only for us to receive another blow of disappointment of news some weeks back, that Chris Brown Faked his community service hours. On this I was like, ‘’dude, you don’t do that, you are on probation, the least you could do is, to ‘form good boy’ and complete your probation’’.

But, Hallelujah, recently, he proved me wrong by tweeting ‘’the community service isn’t a problem anymore. I’ll do whatever duty I need to fulfill my requirements as a man and a leader’’.  Hmmmmmm! ‘The responsible Chris Brown’, thanks to Probation.

Hoping that this good version of Chris Brown will last forever though!

NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER AS NIGERIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY CELEBRATES 'NO MUSIC DAY' ON SEPTEMBER 1

The leadership of Nigerian Music Industry Coalition which is a coalition of the key national associations in the Nigerian music industry has said there will be 'No Retreat, No Surrender' in its fight against the massive abusive of the rights of Nigerian musicians and stakeholders in the music industry. The coalition made the call during the unveiling of the activities of this year's 'No Music Day'; an event which is held on September 1 of every year to focus attention on the widespread infringement of the rights of composers, song writers, performers, music publishers and other stakeholders in the Nigerian music industry.

Speaking to a cross section of Nigerian journalists in the coalition's headquarters in Lagos on Monday of this week, Secretary of Association of Music Business Professionals (AM.B-Pro), a member of the Nigerian Music Industry Coalition, Mr. Efe Omorogbe said, "Music is our business, we will protect it with everything we have. We will not let anyone or any organization destroy all that we have labored so hard to build. This is the focus of "No Music Day'. The theme of this year's celebration is "Keep the Music Alive" and this is a call to the government of our great nation, Nigeria and to all lovers of good music to join the Nigerian music industry in solidarity to put an end to the blatant abuse of our rights which in itself is a threat to creativity."

As part of activities of 'No Music Day 2013', the coalition as usual has requested all broadcast stations and the major users of music across the country not to broadcast music between the hours of 8am-10am on Sunday September 1, 2013 as a mark of solidarity with the nation's creative industry being devastated by massive copyright infringement. All stations sympathetic to the plight of the music industry are being requested to dedicate the time belt to interviews, documentaries, debates and discussions that focus on the rights of creative people and the state of intellectual property rights in Africa's most populous nation. Newspapers and magazines are also being encouraged to do special features on the industry to mark the day.

Also, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) will host an "Open House" on September 1, 2013 at the society's headquarters in Opebi for journalists who may wish to update themselves with the activities of the Nigerian Music Industry. Various officers and top members of the society will be on hand to interact with journalists and grant interviews.

Speaking on 'No Music Day', Engr. Sharon Wilson, President of Music Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MUPMAN) said, 'No Music Day is a day the music industry in Nigeria comes together to say enough is enough to the incessant abuse of our rights. It is a day we put all our energies to call the attention of the Nigerian government and all lovers of music to support the music that makes them happy. For too long, musicians in Nigeria have been deprived of their rights but we are glad that with the advent of COSON, things are beginning to look up and there will be no stopping us until we get to the place of our dreams'.

Also speaking on No Music Day, 2013, President of Music Label Owners & Recording Industries Association of Nigeria (MORAN), Hon. John E. Udegbunam said, "No Music Day for us at MORAN is an important one. It is our strong desire to see our music industry function the way it should and we will remain committed to the objectives of No Music Day. We appeal to all who use our music in their businesses to 'Keep the Music Alive' by obtaining the appropriate license from COSON for the music they use."

It will be recalled that the first 'No Music Day' was held on September 1, 2009 bringing to an end the one week hunger strike campaign embarked upon by Nigerian artistes from across the country in condemnation of the abuse of their rights.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SEYI ALLEN

Happy birthday to a Media Guru. Seyi Allen has over 25 years of experience in different fields in the Nigerian music industry. With his wealth of knowledge & experience in the area of promotions, few years ago he delved into online promotions/ marketing, and created a company called Network Tentacles(NETT).
NETT has the skills to re-tool your organisation's deployment of its New Media platforms to ensure a better coordinated spread of promotional items and news stories to every nook and corner of the internet space, reaching out to key public's of the organization.

BREAKING NEWS: A LEGEND PASSES ON!!!

With deep sense of loss and total submission to the will of God, we announce the passing of the legendary, (one of d oldest female performers in Nigeria) Alhaja Batuli Alake.

ALHAJA BATULI ALAKE

Alhaja Alake one of the pioneers of waka music died this morning in her house in Ijebi Igbo. She was aged 79. News of her death was broken to a FEMAN(Female Musicians Association Of Nigeria) member this morning by her son.

CHARISMA QUEEN OF THE WEEK - EBUBE NWAGBO

OGE OKOYE

 Born in London on the 16^th of November 1980. She is a graduate of theatre Arts at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State. Oge Okoye got married in 2005 to a Netherland based man, Mr. Duru and she is a mother of two. She started acting right from her department of theater arts and has featured in more than 50 movies.

EBUBE NWAGBO

She was born in Enugu on the 24^th of February 1983, grew up in Warri, Delta State. She is a graduate of Mass communication at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra state. Last year Ebube Nwagbo launched her hair line. Ebube is so blessed by God with wonderful; shape and facial

beauty.

Both are beautiful actresses who had done very well for themselves in the industry, Oge in particular who happened to be one of the busiest in the movie industry, but we are so particular about STANDARDS. The truth be said, it is so glaring on these (their) different pictures that Ebube exudes that level of class that charisma is made of than Oge. Therefore Ebube Nwagbo is our Charisma Queen of the Week.   ……… Good one and 3 yes to you babe!!!

THE SOFT PART OF TONTO DIKEH WE NEVER NEW.......

Yesterday,I mistakenly stumbled into a Radio station, inspiration FM where, Tonto Dike, the most controversial Nolly wood actress was being interviewed and then i began to listen with keen interest. I overheard the Ikwere born actress say ''criticism helps me a lot, I feel like a super human because I have like five minutes to be a Human. If I piss you and you write dirty things about me, thank you so much''

She went further to say ''i don't have a personal account on Facebook but only have a Fan page on Facebook,I am ''Tonto let'' on social media; Instagram and twitter

Rumor wise, she admitted the rumor that she quited smoking after listening to Pastor T.B Joshua preaching, was true, also that she only talked to Inyanya(kukere master) once in London where she got to know he is a wonderful person but as a fan,not as a friend and has worked with Yvonne Nelson twice,whom she referred to as an excellent person But promised to clear up rumors about her involvement with Mercy Johnson before the end of the program me ,WHICH she never did.

To the main reason she came to the interview; Tonto Dikeh Foundation. She went further to expose the fact that she didn't get motherly love, although she got love from different source but that cannot be compared with motherly love, she stressed.Therefore she would want to try her best to give as much love as possible to this people , she also pointed that she has an anger problem which she promised to be working on because some one just called into the show and complained on how she didn't want to take a picture with her brother whom she said beg her.

Interestingly, the beautiful actress is standing strong despite the whole controversy

She said ''I have been working for 6 and 1/2 years now without vacation, so I don't have any one in my life now,I want to also be in future a good cinematographer,even though i don't know how to go about it, but being an adventorous person, i will find a way out''. She said she would be filming her nearest projet ''Say no to domestic voilence'' because she has had alot of personal  similar experince which she would want to pass across by acting, writing and singing about them.

''Expect more of me in future;movie wise, music wise and in my

Foundation not just about saying it but by doing it.My passion for inspiring people by being able to stand and speak for myself and not shut up is not to make people to start loving me but because ;i heard from God and love for people going through any form of violence out there" she said. .............Quite an interesting conversation, Apparently this is the soft part of Tonto i never knew........Can you imagine that?  !!!

CHARISMA QUEEN OF THE WEEK - UCHE JOMBO

 CHIOMA CHUKWUKA-AKPOTHA

She is one of the very few scandal-free actresses in Nollywood, born on the 12th of march 1980 and got married to Mr Akpotha at the age of 17. The Anambra state Nollywood actress and producer started acting in 2000 and had featured in over fifty movies. She is believed to be a lady of principle.

Quite an adorable physique, Chioma’s look on these; is very much in charge of the atmosphere, takes the lead, controls and full of vibration.Wow this is charisma; very bold, confident or daring but not in any way offensive. Very beautiful and admirable features, I must say…

 UCHE JOMBO.

Hails from Abriba, Abia state, she is an actress, screen writer, producer and entrepreneur.

Uche started acting in 1999 and had featured in countless movies since then.

She secretly got married on the 16th of may 2012 to her New York based business man, Kenny Rodriguez.

A product of good work and confidence but very humble.

A very beautiful figure with good choice of dress, belt, ring, hair do and an appropriate carriage on the picture.

Both (chioma chukwuka-Akpotha and Uche Jumbo) have that humble and adventurous feature that Charisma is made of.

May I also let you know that our decision on who emerges the charisma queen of the week is based on what she exudes on  particular picture used (mostly recent ones) on that week AND not based on the celebrities’ profiles.

Charisma is not loud or shouts but must definitely be seen, noticed, respected, adored or admired and it’s also trendy, because it radiates illuminates and accentuates. I was going to say Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha but when I got to Jombo’s gallery recently,  I saw something graceful and very different from the Uche that I used to know and then the weight loss,unbelievably great!!! . I know her to be that lady that appear on pictures nude, with unkempt hairs and crude expression BUT on  this recent  picture is a refined and modified Uche to the charisma energetic level(higher than Chioma’s) that we are talking about. This is Charisma for you and Uche Jombo is therefore our Charisma Queen of the week. Excuse me!!! Uche I love the new revolution, keep it up dear ……

 TO VOTE FOR YOUR NEXT CHARISMA QUEEN OF THE WEEK, KINDLY VISIT OUR VIEWERS POLL.