The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) has advised Nigerian musicians and others in the creative sector to intensify efforts to promote national unity.
Tony Okoroji, the COSON Chairman, gave the advice in a statement on Friday, in commemoration of the 2023 edition of the “No Music Day”.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the No Music Day is an event introduced by Bill Drummond, a Scottish Artist, Musician, Writer and Producer, to draw attention to the cheapening of music as an art form due to its mindless and ubiquitous use in contemporary society.
“On this “No Music Day”, I call on the true creatives of Nigeria to borrow a leaf from COSON, bind together and work together for the good of all.
“Nigerian musicians must continue to conquer territories and soar in every part of the world. Nigerian movies must be dominant everywhere we go.
“Nigerian fashion must be the toast of people in every part of the world. Nigerian sportsmen must conquer in every field, on every track, every court and every ring. Nigerian content must be the reference point on every platform.
“Nigerian creatives cannot afford to give up in view of challenges confronting the nation, we must work hard together for the unity of our country and the progress of our nation,” he said.
Okoroji reiterated COSON’s determination to remain a transparent and law-abiding agent of strength, unity, progress and growth for the music industry in Nigeria.
He said that the COSON was determined to shield the Nigerian music industry from scammers and marauders who work day and night to turn the ”collective management of copyright into their personal cash cow and naira-gushing ATM.”
“COSON has continued to thrive because we have not allowed anyone to tear us apart which underlines the truism in the words, “United we stand, divided we fall”.
“On this “No Music Day 2023”, I wish to assure the thousands of members of COSON across the country, that the season of the locust is practically over and that every step is being taken to ensure that music begins to pay again without delay.
“I pray for all Nigerians who are going through trials, tribulations and hardship, and beg the Almighty to please meet their needs.
“God bless the Nigerian Creative Industry and God bless the great people of Nigeria,” Okoroji said.