Nigeria to host No Music Day in September

[bsaambl]

On 1 September, the Nigerian music industry will host the annual No Music Day, a day dedicated to drawing the attention of the country to the rights of its songwriters, performers, music publishers, record labels and other music professionals.

Under the theme Music for National Stability, the event, according to a statemennt from the Copyright Society of Nigeria, will build "significant public awareness and support for the new national fight against piracy of music, movies, literature, broadcast content, software, etc, which is undermining investments in the Nigerian creative industry."

In keeping with tradition, broadcast stations across Nigeria are asked to halt the broadcast of music for two hours starting 8am on 1 September. The interval will be dedicated to interviews, debates and documentaries focussing on the rights of creative people and their contribution to the national economy.

Speaking ahead of the event, Tony Okoroji of COSON said, ‘‘The project will among other vital things, activate a forceful campaign against hate speech in Nigeria, which is threatening ethnic harmony and peace in the country, and also enhance the vigorous promotion of the Nigerian music industry, so as to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s GDP.’’

To facilitate an understanding of the issues facing creative persons and their rights in Nigeria, different media platforms will host and engage members of the COSON on the year's theme.