The International Committee behind the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has expressed sadness over the passing of Nigerian Afribeats singer and rapper, Ikerioluwa Promise Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
The continental music platform is also using the controversial death of the 27,year-old singer to emphasized the importance of regulating and institutionalizing the music entertainment industry as it joins millions of African youths and music fans to express grief over the demise of tge Ekiti-Stareborn Street Hop sensation.
Mohbad died on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in controversial circumstances that has generated massive public reaction.
The 27-year-old budding music star also known as Imole (Light) was a hugely talented and very promising artist whose creativity and amazing gift made him produce thrilling songs that have warmed the hearts of millions of fans across the world.
TmPresident and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, who signed the statement on behalf of the Internatiinal Committee of AFRIMA, while lamenting that Africa has lost a promising talent in its growing music industry in a shocking manner, added that institutionalizing the music and entertainment industry remains a top priority in curbing the unprofessional practices that exists within the industry in Africa.
“On behalf of the International Committee of AFRIMA, we condole with Nigeria’s music industry, parents and fans of Mohbad, over his painful demise. The death of Mohbad is a tragic event that has left us all deeply saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.
“With his demise, Africa has lost a promising talent in our growing music and entertainment industry. We pray God to grant him eternal rest and grant his parents, family, and teeming fans the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.”
The statement added that AFRIMA is spearheading efforts to mobilize stakeholders in the creative industry in Africa, with a focus on Nigeria, to establish institutionalized operations and regulate the music entertainment industry.
“It is necessary to have a law that regulates the music industry to prevent it from becoming an unregulated free-for-all, as currently, the entry requirements are low such that anyone can just wake up and establish a music record label.
“To address this issue, African countries must establish a Music Institute to certify practitioners regularly.
AFRIMA urges stakeholders, including relevant government officials and agencies, artists, record labels, A&R, producers, promoters, artiste’s managers, brands, songwriters, DJs & video vixens, video directors, equipment production and rental companies, publishing companies, streaming service companies, entertainment lawyers, royalty companies, choreographers/dancers, entertainment/music journalists and media, culture and music enthusiast, other supporting professionals: cameramen, editors, make-up, hairstylist, costumiers, among others, to participate in this crucial process. We urge stakeholders to submit their proposed legislation for review and consideration.”
AFRIMA’s intervention follows the avalanche of calls for justice for the late musician whose passing has raised suspicion of foul play. The Nigerian Police and the Lagos State Government are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death as the public keenly awaits the outcome of the autopsy conducted last week.
Several International artistes have joined their colleagues in Nigeria in raising awareness for justice to be served through several processions held in Mohbad’s honour in many part of Nigeria, UK and the United States.
