AFRIMA Mourns Mohbad and Advocates for Institutionalization of African Music Industry.
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has expressed its condolences and grief over the sudden and mysterious death of Nigerian pop star Mohbad, emphasizing the need for regulating and institutionalizing the music entertainment industry in Africa.
Mohbad, a 27-year-old rising music talent known as “Imole” (Light), passed away on September 12, 2023, under circumstances currently under investigation by the police. His creativity and captivating lyrics had garnered him a massive fan base worldwide.
Mike Dada, the President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, issued a statement lamenting Africa’s loss of a promising talent and stressed the importance of institutionalizing the music and entertainment industry to address unprofessional practices.
Dada conveyed heartfelt condolences to Mohbad’s family, the Nigerian music industry, and his devoted fans, expressing deep sadness over the tragic event.
He highlighted AFRIMA’s commitment to mobilize stakeholders in the African creative industry, with a particular focus on Nigeria, to establish institutionalized operations and regulate the music entertainment sector.
This effort involves the enactment of legislation that sets industry standards, regulations, and compliance for various stakeholders, including music record labels, performing artists, music publishing companies, entertainment lawyers, and more.
Dada emphasized the necessity of music industry regulation to prevent it from becoming a chaotic and unregulated environment. He stressed the need for a Music Institute to certify practitioners regularly and ensure industry professionalism.
AFRIMA plans to organize a stakeholder summit aimed at engaging the legislative bodies of African governments through the African Union to further these goals.
Dada urged all stakeholders, including government officials, artistes, record labels, promoters, managers, and others, to participate in this essential process and submit proposed legislation for review and consideration.
In paying tribute to Mohbad, AFRIMA not only mourns the loss of a promising artist but also advocates for the institutionalization and regulation of Africa’s vibrant music entertainment industry.