All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, has stressed the significance of Regulating and Formalizing the Music Entertainment Sector as it joins millions of African Youths and Music enthusiasts in expressing sorrow over the Untimely passing of Nigerian Singer Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba.
Mohbad tragically passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, a loss that has deeply Impacted the Public.
The 27-year-old rising Music talent, also known as Imole (Light), was a young and Incredibly promising Artist whose Exceptional Creativity and Lyrical prowess had Captivated the hearts of Countless Fans Worldwide.
In a statement, the President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, Conveyed his condolences and highlighted the pressing need to Institutionalize and Regulate the Music and Entertainment Industry to combat Unprofessional Practices that have persisted within the African Music Landscape.
Dada stated, “On behalf of AFRIMA’s International Committee, we extend our Heartfelt condolences to Nigeria’s Music Industry, Mohbad’s parents, and his Dedicated Fan base during this trying time.
The passing of Mohbad is a Tragic event that has left us all deeply Saddened.
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to his Family and loved ones.
With the Untimely loss of Mohbad, Africa has lost a Promising Talent in our Music and Entertainment Sector.
We pray for his Eternal rest and offer support to his family, friends, and devoted Fans as they cope with this Irreplaceable Loss.
AFRIMA is at the Forefront of efforts to mobilize Stakeholders within the Creative Industry in Africa, with a Specific focus on Nigeria, to establish Structured operations and Oversee the regulation of the Music and Entertainment Sector.
The establishment of Comprehensive Industry Regulations is crucial to prevent the Music landscape from becoming an Unregulated Free-for-all.
Currently, the entry requirements are minimal, allowing anyone to establish a Music Record Label with ease.
To address this Issue, African Nations must create a Music Institute to regularly Certify Industry Practitioners.
AFRIMA urges all Stakeholders, including Government Officials, Artists, Record labels, producers, promoters, Artist managers, brands, Songwriters, DJs, video vixens, Video directors, equipment production and rental firms, publishing Companies, streaming service Providers, Entertainment lawyers, Royalty organizations, choreographers, dancers, Entertainment and music Journalists, Media professionals, and culture and music enthusiasts, to actively participate in this essential process.
We encourage Stakeholders to Submit their Proposed Legislation for review and consideration.”
AFRIMA’s concerns align with the call for Justice in the wake of Mohbad’s passing, which has raised Suspicions of foul play.
The Nigerian Police are currently Investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, and the Public anxiously awaits the outcome.
Prominent Musicians and Celebrities, both from Nigeria and Internationally, including Kodak Black, Lil Durk, and Meek Mill, have paid Tribute to the late Street Hop sensation, whose Music has experienced a resurgence on Nigerian Streaming Platforms.
