Nigeria’s music maestro, Bongos Ikwue has joined the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN), as member. The registration was carried out by the Director General/CEO of MCSN, Mayo Ayilaran and witnessed by MCSN’s Chairman, and notable musician, Orits Williki. The ceremony took place recently at Bongos Ikwue’s palatial Asokoro, Abuja home.
Speaking, Bongos Ikwue said he was glad of becoming a full-fledged member of MCSN. “I’m a little above 80,” he revealed. “It’s been long overdue.” The creator of the popular musical score, Cock Crow at dawn, and such enduring songs as Still Searching, What’s gonna be, gonna be, Amen, Eche Une among others urged younger musicians to register their works. “There’s so much technology now. You can never repeat anything you have done.”
Chairmna, MCSN, Orits Williki regretted that for years, the works of Bongos Ikwue were used with impunity without considering compensation for him. “We look forward to when the works will bring back the dividends to him. I am happy that we are doing the right thing.”
Also speaking, MCSN’s DG/CEO, Ayilaran, said the Society would ensure the multi-talented artiste gets full payment not only for past use of his works but for present and future exploitation. “From now, his works are no longer free to be used. All his works will be tracked and he will be fully compensated. Wherever his music is played, he gets paid: Naira income if within Nigeria and Dollar/Pounds from works played outside the country.”
This is why Ayilaran is calling on younger musicians to join MCSN as “Life does not end on stage.” He said besides performance fees, there are a lot of fees that accrue to musicians, composers and performers which they are not presently enjoying because their works are not registered. MCSN will guarantee regular income from the exploitation of any work on multiple platforms.