Efforts By Reps To Ensure Mohbad Receives Compensation And Royalties For His Music Works

The House of Representatives has revealed its intention to secure compensation and royalties for the musical works of the late Afrobeats star, Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Aloba.

Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Olumide Osoba, made this announcement during an interactive session on the rights and royalties of the 27-year-old rapper. Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, and was buried the following day.

During the session, Babajimi Benson, a lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos State, raised a motion of urgent public importance regarding Mohbad’s case. Osoba emphasized the importance of securing compensation and royalties for artists, highlighting that these payments are a crucial part of their income.

He expressed concerns about the current state of the Nigerian music industry, particularly regarding the protection of artists’ rights, especially when dealing with record labels. Osoba also noted that young musicians often lack awareness of their rights when entering into contracts.

To address these issues, the committee has requested relevant information related to Mohbad’s death and the necessary measures to ensure that his royalties and other benefits are secured. Osoba further stressed the need to adapt the music industry to the digital age and advocate for revised royalty models that better reflect the value of music in the streaming era.