CENIPLUG

Friday, May 4, 2012

Video : Dbanj’s Interview On MAXTv (Uk)

D’banj’s interview from a week ago. he doesnt say anything about the controversy , during the interview with MAX on her radio show on Choice, they spoke about Kanye, Big Sean. Sneakbo and Kokolettes etc

AP Plaza "Car Bomb" In Abuja Plaza A Hoax

By SaharaReporters, New York

Police authorities have dismissed as a hoax a car bomb threat reported at the AP Plaza in Wuse 2 area of Abuja, Nigeria's troubled capital.
The police anti-bomb unit said nothing was found in a car parked in the premises of the AP Plaza which was reportedly rigged with bomb explosives.
A bank security alarm went off in the area after a suspicious car was parked overnight in the area, police sources said.

Deeper Life Pastor Nabbed By FBI For Conning An Elderly Woman

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed reports linking New York-based pastor and lawyer, Eric Abakporo, to “despicable” fraud: the theft of the life savings of an elderly African-American woman through deceit and lies.

Eric Abakporo, a Deeper Life pastor and attorney, and a cohort, Latanya Pierce, were arrested for swindling the 78 year-old woman and stiffing a bank with a phony $1.8 million mortgage loan. Abakporo was arrested on Monday in Queens, NY, while Pierce surrendered voluntarily.

“Through lies and deception, these individuals abused the trust of an elderly woman in order to perpetrate a multimillion dollar fraud. Now that their despicable scheme has been exposed, they will face justice,” said New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

Abakporo first came across the SaharaReporters radar screen in 2010 in another case involving contracts for renovations at the Nigerian Mission in New York City. The contracts, linked to Joy Ogwu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, were inflated, according to a petition signed by whistleblowers calling themselves “The Patriots.” SaharaReporters reported on this a few months after New York Daily News was reporting on the fraud perpetrated against the elderly woman.

The SaharaReporters story prompted the ethically challenged lawyer to turn his fury on the citizen reporting website with a lawsuit raising libel, emotional distress and other charges for which he demanded $30 million. A U.S. District Court dismissed most of Mr. Abakporo’s claims in an April 2011 decision.

The story behind the current FBI charges began in March 2006 when Abakporo cultivated a relationship with the victim who owned a Harlem apartment building. He offered to help her collect rents but actually, he pocketed them.

The two alleged con artists then persuaded the woman to sell her property for $3.1 million, giving her multiple fake and fraudulent checks which they later took back, promising to give her a “private mortgage” in the property. After weaving a web of lies around their actions, the two swindlers brought their act to a local bank, claiming they owned the building “free and clear”. For this lie, they obtained a $1.8 million mortgage which they failed to repay.

Ultimately they obtained all of the elderly woman’s assets and $1.8 million by defrauding the bank.

Charges against the two include multiple bank and wire fraud which together carry a maximum prison term of 100 years behind bars.

Abakporo is currently cooling his heels in detention until payment of a $1 million bond secured by an interest in property and co-signed by three people and secured by two properties.

UPCOMMING EVENTS: THE STAGE

THE STAGE
A monthly platform for talents to showcase and express themselves. Its open to MUSIC, COMEDY, POETRY, RAP, DANCE, SPOKEN WORD, VISUAL ART, FASHION.

Guest: DIPP, LACE, CEE Y, MAYtronomy, DJINEE, JEDI

Host: MC Ohis
Date: Sunday June 24
(Every last sunday June - Nov)
Venue: The Lounge, Koga entertainment, 2 Bolaji close, besides Mobil/Mr Biggs, Alausa ikeja

To participate send details to:
thestage@ghillsentertainment.com

Man Jailed For 1 Million Years For Child Pornography

An Iranian judge yesterday sentenced a 24-year-old man to 1 million years imprisonment for possession of child pornography.

Mohammed Kenare was sentenced Wednesday morning by a local judge who in his ruling held that possession of child pornography (video) is an act that could only be committed by a despicable and satanic person and that he (Kenare) should be locked up “for as much years as the devil should be locked up”.

The move was seen as a lenient move by some international political analysts who said the sentencing (which logically means life) is a lesser one compared to the maximum death penalty such an offense would have carried at any Iranian upper court.

Mahmud Zakari, a clerk of the court told local radio that although the sentencing could be appealed, it is unlikely Kenare’s lawyers will file for one.
Is this really justice?

“Fake Doctor” Remanded In Prison Custody For Alleged Murder

An Ebute Meta Magistrates' Court in Lagos on Thursday remanded Femi Bejide, who allegedly killed one Blessing Friday, by administering fake drugs on her.

Bejide, 35, who was docked on a charge of murder, was said to have claimed to be a medical doctor.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendant’s plea was not taken as the court has no jurisdiction to try the case.

Magistrate M.O. Olajuwon, ordered him remanded in Ikoyi Prison pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The prosecutor, ASP Emmanuel Essien, told the court that the accused, who claimed to be a doctor, on Feb. 12, killed Friday as a result of the drug he gave her to use.

“The deceased, who complained of malaria to the defendant, died after she used the fake drugs given to her by the defendant,’’ Essien said.

He told the court that the accused, who owned a clinic called Shasha Medical Centre, lives at No. 23, Adegboyega St., Shasha Idimu, Lagos.

He said that the offence contravened Section 231 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The case has been adjourned till May 30.
(NAN)

Nigerian Singer Goldie Harvey, to be an housemate on Big Brother Africa Season 7

Big Brother Africa yesterday afternoon announced that 7 celebrity housemates would be part of the seventh season of Africa’s biggest reality TV show titled Big Brother Africa - Star Game. And among the stars is Nigerian singer, Goldie Harvey.

The winner of this year's BBA will take home $300, 000.

Other contestants are:

Stylish entertainer, stand-up comedian and television pro DKB from Ghana (26)

Tough, talented rap icon Prezzo from Kenya (32)

Award-winning songstress Lady May from Namibia (25)

Boldly dramatic pop music sensation Goldie from Nigeria (28)

Famed socialite, model and businesswoman Barbz from South Africa (34)

Unforgettable, highly successful R and B diva Mampi from Zambia (25)

Unique and hugely popular, soulful musician Roki from Zimbabwe (27

Miami cult who tattoo themselves with 666 say the world will END on June 30

According to them, the end of the world is approaching, on the 30th of June to be precise and the obscure Christian sect is erecting billboards across the United States to let everyone know.

Growing in Grace International have stepped up their global campaign to announce the 'transformation' at the end of June, a day of final reckoning which will wipe out most of humanity, except their followers.

Adding their voices to the already noisy 2012 apocalypse brigade, Growing in Grace International are led by the charismatic Jose de Luis de Jesus, who openly calls himself the antichrist and makes his followers tattoo 666 onto their bodies.
Preparing for the end of the world: Growing in Grace International have begun to put up billboards heralding the end of the world on June 30 this year

The Puerto Rican national states that calling himself the antichrist is appropriate because it is wrong to worship the 'Jewish teachings' of Jesus, but rather to study the teachings of the Apostle Paul, who de Jesus claims to be in direct contact with.
Antichrist according to de Jesus means 'no longer following Jesus of Nazareth as he lived in the days of his flesh.'

Spreading the word about June 30th has seen the Miami based-group invest in billboards featuring a smiling de Jesus and his 666 symbols prominently displayed imploring people to phone up his group and repent.
Inspired by the teachings of Jose Luis de Jesus the group is looking forward to the 'transformation' which will see his followers endowed with superpowers

'That day, the body of Jose de Luis de Jesus, who is a human like you and me, his flesh is going to be immortal,' said Alex Poessy, the bishop of Growing in Grace International in Canada.

'He's going to be living forever.
'And that will happen to him, but also his followers.'

'All those that are not believers are going to be destroyed.'
With followers in 35 different nations, 287 radio stations and a 24-hour Spanish language television network, Growing in Grace International is not the first group to pick a date this year as the end of the world,
Growing in Grace International followers have 666 tattooed onto their bodies as a mark of the antichrist
The famous Mayan 'Long March' calendar ends on December 21st 2012.

In addition to surviving the 'transformation', de Jesus promises his followers that following that apocalyptic event they will be given superpowers.

'We can run and not get tired,' said Axel Cooley who is the daughter of bishop Poessy.
'Go through fire and not get burned.
'I could be talking to you right now and then I could go through that wall.

'So, you'll know there is a difference.'
Antichrist: Jose Luis de Jesus calls himself the antichrist because he believes he is the true incarnation of the Messiah as opposed to the one written about in scriptures

Basing their beliefs on passages from the Bible, Growing in Grace International followers are excited about the end of the world as far as we all know it.

'The world's not going to end,' said Cooley.

'What is going to end is the system.
'All the governments and the currencies will fall.

'The new government of the 666 will take over.'
Projecting the image of de Jesus with messages such as '666, number of wisdom' or 'Countdown to the transformation June 30, 2012', billboards are up in the United states, Brazil and eight other countries.

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1946, de Jesus insists on all his followers calling him 'dad' and has stated that his conversion occurred in 1973 while living in Massachusetts.

The former petty-thief witnessed two angels coming down to him, 'The body of Christ manifested in Jose de Luis de Jesus, and all of sudden, that's when he knew,' said Cooley of the transformation.
With the billboards being erected in ten different countries including the United States and Brazil, Growing in Grace International is being very vocal in its apocalypse prediction

Founding Growing in Grace in 1986, its success has attracted some criticism, with some claiming that the group is little more than a cult.

'They're stupid people who believe in stupidities,' said Regina Albarracin who lives in Pembroke Pines in Florida who says she has lost a son, Alvaro to the group.

There have also been queries raised about the correct use of funds at Growing in Grace International, with some money reportedly being syphoned off to a Colombian bank account in the name of de Jesus.

However, members are quick to deflect any criticism of the group.

'All our lives have been enriched with this, If we were a cult then I guess we're a pretty awesome cult,' said Ana Guevara, who is a Canadian member.

Attending meetings called 'tracings', followers watch a sermon style broadcast from de Jesus before singing 'We're the ones who will live eternally,' in Spanish.
When the world ends on June 30 this year Jose Luis de Jesus will assume control of the planets government when everyone but his followers has perished

Retreating from public view on April 22 of this year to prepare for the 'transformation', de Jesus is readying for his groups eventual takeover of the world.

'A government where we will govern everything with a perfect order,' described de Jesus in his goodbye address.

'This is my last farewell for you. The time is finished.

'We will see each other soon in Armageddon.'

Religious and sociological experts have expressed concern about this latest prediction of armageddon.
Transformation: Growing in Grace International are just one of many groups claiming that 2012 is the year of the apocalypse

University of Waterloo sociologist Dr Lorne Dawson explained that a deadline is a sign that the 'movement is starting to run into trouble'.

'It's a strong indicator that their authority is slipping, they're losing followers, not acquiring followers at a level that they used to.

'And nothing galvanises a group and galvanises attention like a new mention of an apocalypse.'

The June 30 prediction is very similar to that of Californian preacher and broadcaster Harold Camping who infamously declared the apocalypse would occur on May 21, 2011.

It didn't and in the embarrassment that followed he retired from the public eye.

However, in the run up to the last day of June, Growing in Grace International members are totally sure that we have entered the last days on this earth.

'We are sure that it's going to happen,' said Poessy.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

TRAGEDY : REVERED FILMMAKER,HELEN UKPABIO’S 3 BROTHERS ALLEGEDLY MURDERED BY POLICE

There was shock and consternation when the news filtered out about how Nigeria’s most successful female preacher,Lady Apostle(Mrs.) Helen Ukpabio loses four of her siblings –same father and same mother on Sunday,March 25,2012 in Mbente,Ini local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

As the story goes,the three brothers(Charles,Emmanuel and Joseph Akpabio) were allegedly shot by Nigerian police before their aged mother (Mrs. Etim Akpabio) and their younger sister,Elizabeth,upon hearing the sad news,slipped into coma and also died.

We learnt the three brothers were accused of armed robbery and kidnapping.

According to sources three brothers were allegedly first crippled with gun shots.And as they wailed and queried what they had done to deserve what they were doing to them,they were taken back to the village.

Now in their father’s compound,their mother immediately took to crying upon seeing her son’s condition-in their broken state and with broken legs.

They allegedly dragged them down and beside a nearby plaintain tree finished all of them,with their mother and some family members weeping,wailing and watching.

Findings revealed that the Police team was allegedly led by one Noel Nduka.

And since then,the family of the three brothers has been crying themselves hoarse,wanting to know what exactly their sons did as well as why they were not charged to any court to defend themselves before judgement was pronounced and they were immediately executed.

In a recent chat with newsmen,Helen Ukpabio said I have never seen anything like that in my life before.Four corpses,from one family.Ah ! Even if they had something against them,they should have taken them to court and not waste them like that.

I still can’t believe my brothers and sister are no more.In Fact,I hardly sleep since the incident

On the family’s next line of action,she said We will not follow them illegally.We will follow them legally.And that is why we are crying out,begging all conscionable people all over the world to hear us and ensure that justice is done on this issue

Married Abuja Big Girl Caught In Adultery Mess In London

I got a call last week from Mr. Olaitan Iwalewa, a London based Nigerian businessman, who complained bitterly about how the wife of a top government official in Abuja deceived him into believing that she was single, started a relationship with him and spend several nights with him in his London home.

Mr. Iwalewa furthermore explained that he visited Nigeria to spend time with his woman only to discover that Ajoke Tolani, who is the owner of Bubble Boutique and Accessories in Abuja, is indeed a full-time house wife. He thus stopped the unholy affair. But there is a big problem now; the crux of the matter is what you will read below:

We gathered, a melodrama is currently playing out in the adultery scandal between the wife of a topshot at Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and Mr. Iwalewa who is bitter after discovering that his beloved woman was actually a wife to another man. Their long rosy and romantic relationship has gone sour and the man seems ready for a showdown.

The woman is denying her “ex-lover”, while the man has everything at his disposal to prove that they were romantically involved in a serious relationship that could have been altar bound if not that he discovered she was married.

Mr. Iwalewa who before now had misunderstanding with his wife and separated was planning to make Tolani his second wife legally until he got winds last year August that Tolani was a married woman. “It was when I came to Nigeria last year that I got the gist at the hotel she lodged me when one of the staff whom I have been good to told me that the woman that brought me here is married and known by lots of people.

“Immediately I heard that, I was shocked and scared of my life. I had to leave the place and left for London. Since then, she has been begging me because I refused to pick her calls.”

Now, Mr. Iwalewa wants Mrs. Tolani Afolabi to repay all the money he borrowed her which is about 3,000 pounds for her business and another sum of about N800,000 which he gave to her to use to lodge in an account in Nigeria. He said he met only about N100,000 in the account.

While trying to cover her acts, Mrs. Afolabi had told a soft-sell magazine that the man was her pastor and used to pray for her whenever she’s in London. But Mr. Iwalewa said it is a BIG lie. “I am not a Pastor, I don’t know what she meant, she stays in my house in London anytime she’s in town, I will provide you some of the text messages she has been sending to me including the one she sent when I refused to pick her calls after getting to know she is married.”

Anyway, below her some romantic SMS she sent to Mr. Iwalewa while their relationship lasted, as published in Global excellence, with her personal numbers:

(1) “Honey Mi, olowo ori me, I will always luv u do have a beautiful day at work. Missing u and feel like wrapping u round my body luv u.”
From: +2348161665517

(2) “Honey pls forgive me its all beyond me.”
From: +2348127124488

(3) “missing u will call u as soon as its safe, luv u.”
From: +2348033200607

(4) “Honey I can’t write much am on drip.”
From: +2348033200607

(5) “Honey am missing you I love you so much don’t ever leave me alone, am so lonely here.”
From: +2348127124488

(6) “Honey thanks tot u were angry with me. Cld not sleep—-Iluv u so much, I need you to make luv to me and make me feel like a woman.”
From: +2348127124488

(7) “Honey u need 2 be in my place 2 know how I fee, when we meet I never knew ur marital status, it was much later I knew I was already in luv wt u. Pls take it easy wt me I hv my own mind and I knw wat I want. I luv u and will never leave u unless u ask me to.”
From: +2348033200607

Woman sets co-wife ablaze in Ebonyi

ABAKALIKI—TRAGEDY struck on Monday at Akpoha community in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi State as a woman (names withheld) allegedly set her co-wife ablaze over marital acrimony.

The assailant whose name was identified as Ogeri, Vanguard learnt, has already been arrested by the police.

Explaining the reason for her action, the woman stated that she was surprised and angry to discover that her husband, after all she had contributed towards their livelihood, could have the conscience to bring in another woman into their matrimonial home as her co-wife.

It was gathered that the victim, who hails from Abomege in Onicha LGA of the state, was married on Sunday only to meet her death the next day.

Meanwhile, as a result of the ugly incident, the village had remained in a pensive state as members of the community, especially women, were seen at different spots discussing the incident.

An eyeswitness, who gave his name as Peter Imo, told Vanguard that the victim was set ablaze by her co-wife around 3.45pm on Monday when she was taking a nap in the afternoon.

He said nobody knew that she (first wife) had made plans on how to kill her co-wife, adding that when she noticed that her co-wife was sleeping on the fateful day, she quickly locked the doors and windows of their apartment and set fire on the building.

He said: “So when we started seeing smoke and someone shouting for help from the building, we rushed and put out the fire from the building, then rescued the woman and took her to a nearby native doctor, only to discover that she was already dead.”

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebonyi State Police Command, ASP John Eluu, confirmed the incident, adding that both the first wife and her husband were being interrogated to ascertain the motive behind the killing of the victim

source: vanguardngr.com

Court jails gardener for stealing BlackBerry phone

⁠

An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday sentenced a 22-year-old gardener, Idris Yusuf, to three months in jail for stealing a BlackBerry phone belonging to a Mr Umaru Ndanusa of Baze University, Abuja.

In the alternative, Senior Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana asked Yusuf to pay a fine of N5,000.

Police prosecutor, Paul Anigbo, told the court that the case was reported at the Lugbe Police Station by one Ahmed Usman, a student of the university, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The prosecutor said the accused committed the crime three weeks ago and that the phone was worth N130,000.

Anigbo added that the accused was caught with the phone, adding that during police investigation, the gardener confessed to stealing it.

Benin Man throws step-daughter into well

A Benin man identified as Monday will face charges for attempted murder of his step-daughter

The police in Edo State are investigating why a man, identified as Monday, allegedly threw his step-daughter, Favour, into a well.

The attempted murder was allegedly carried out in a forest at the Agricultural Development Programme grounds on the outskirts of Benin.

Favour, an eight-year-old pupil of Ukhegie Primary School, was in her uniform when she was rescued.

It was gathered that the suspect took his step-daughter away under the pretence of going to buy her confectionaries before taking her to school.

But, Monday took the victim to the forest and allegedly threw her into the well.
A ‘Good Samaritan’, Festus Aimebinomo, said he was passing by when he heard a faint voice calling for help and was shocked to find someone struggling inside the well.

He said the little girl was saying: ‘I dey die o.’ Aimebinomo said he jumped inside the well to rescue her.

Favour’s mother Christiana Monday said she was at a loss over the dastardly act.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs Inumidun Idehen said the suspect has been handed over to the police.

The victim has been taken to a hospital for treatment.

Bomb scare rocks Lagos airport

THERE was pandemonium, yesterday, at the domestic wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, MMA2, Lagos, after rumour went round of imminent bomb attack.
The commotion was compounded by heavy presence of policemen inside the airport terminal and outside the airport beefing up security.

As soon as the rumour became widespread, the police Anti-bomb Squad and security personnel of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, managers of MMA2 Terminal, swung into action and subjected all vehicles entering into the airport to through check with metal detectors.

The situation caused a heavy traffic to and from the airport, forcing road- users, especially intending travellers to trek long distance in order not to miss their flight.

Speaking, the Police Commissioner in charge of the airport, Mr. Olatunji Caulcrick, said the exercise was necessitated by the bomb scare.

Caulcrick added that the police did not leave anything to chance in ensuring a seamless travel for airport users, affirming that the police had been ordered to carry out checks whenever the needs arise.

Omawumi’s Bottom Belle Falls Out: Singer Accused of Copyright Infringement, 50Million Naira in Damages Sought

Omawumi Bottom Belle ft Flavor Copyright Infringement Omawumis Bottom Belle Falls Out: Singer Accused of Copyright Infringement, 50Million Naira in Damages Sought

Celebrated singer and 2007 Idols West Africa finalist, Omawumi, released the song ‘Bottom Belle’ a few months ago. From all indications in the marketing, promotions and packaging of her hit single, this was an original song by Omawumi featuring Flavour. Indeed I have read numerous news reports on websites and blogs in preparing to share this case with you all and they all say essentially the same thing and do not attribute the song to persons deemed the original owners, The African Rhythm Messengers.This group comprising of Nigerian musicians released the song in 1998 under the same title and the song is sold on Itunes among many digital stores.
(NOTE: I do know that there were two prior singers who sang this song i.e. Herbert Udemba, first, and subsequently Sunny Bobo. However, for our purposes, African Rhythm Messengers recorded and currently sell the song. It is unclear the license they may or may not have. Hence the legal issues I focus on of cover songs and sampling. Africa as a whole has not been the best place to protect the intellectual property rights of artists. Further, the question of when a copyright song lasts comes into play specific to Nigeria.
” Literary, musical or artistic works other than photographs: 70 years after the end of the year in which the author dies;

Cinematograph films and photographs: 50 years after the end of the year in which the work was first published.
Sound recordings: 50 years after the end of the end of the year in which the recording was first made.” – Quote from COSON)

(Back to the case at hand) Here is the essential gist of the release put out by Omawumi about the song:

“Bottom Belle is a special song,” the feisty diva explains. “It is my witty way of telling the story of an opinionated young Nigerian woman who wants and fully intends to enjoy her life. This is a song you’ll rock to at the local hangout, the club or even the village square!”
Bottom Belle has a feel good vibe, which is driven by a smooth highlife beat. The song has an unmistakable club feel, merging native sounds with a cosmopolitan edginess that would prove irresistible to music lovers. The song tells the story of a young woman being wooed and how expensive she is to maintain. She tells her ‘toaster’ to prove himself a ‘chairman’ by taking her shopping and buying her a pair of bell-bottom trousers and other things that would make her happy.
Kporokoto master Flavour never fails to impress, and he does the same in this single. Playing the role of the ‘Chairman’, Flavour’s vocals take the listener straight to the dance floor as he boasts of his wealth in different currencies and how he plans to spend it on her as long as she makes him happy and dances to his tunes.”

I saw the circulation of the song when it initially came out but unfortunately, I was too busy to pay attention to it until now. I absolutely adore Omawumi and believe she is one of Nigeria’s few really talented artists. However, adoring an artist and even rocking to him/her has nothing to do with the legal issues that stem from allegations of copyright infringement. Besides the alleged copyright infringement by the artist from Benin reported below by Questionmark Magazine, there is a bigger and seemingly clearer infringement on the work of African Rhythm Messengers going on.
This is where I pause so you all can listen to both versions:
African Rhythm Messengers, Bottom Belle
Omawumi – Bottom Belle

Clearly, at least on the hook, a substantial portion of this song was used. The obvious question is, did Omawumi obtain clearance for the song?
Folks, there are three key legal issues of high importance you all need to focus on in this case:
1. Performing Cover Songs: What is required of you if you perform a cover song live?
2. Recording Cover Songs on Your Album for Sale: what is required of you if you will place a cover song on your album for sale?
3. Clearances for samples of recorded songs used to create your own work: What do you need to know about sampling other people’s work?
AML Legal Commentary
Anytime we discuss copyright infringement cases, your starting point has to be:
What is copyright law? What rights do I as a copyright owner have? If I want to use the copyrights of others, what do I need to know? For answers to the foregoing questions, click here.
Now we get into the original questions I posed. NOTE: These are all complicated topics that I have tried to simplify here. I am working on my book which is a lot more comprehensive and you all can purchase it when it is released for more indepth discussions. I don’t have a release date, yet.
1) Can I play cover songs when I perform live?
AML Commentary: USA = Yes. Nigeria = Yes.
Who pays when I perform live at a venue?
AML Commentary: USA = Venue owner. The venue owner pays a “licensing fee” which is already negotiated to a performance rights organization such as ASCAP and BMI. ASCAP and BMI in turn pay the lawful copyright owner.
Nigeria = Venue owner. The venue owner pays a licensing fee to COSON, Nigeria’s performance rights organization. COSON in turn pays the copyright owner of the song.
2). Can I record cover songs on my album?
AML Commentary: USA = Yes. But you need to pay mechanical royalties for the song of the artist you are recording.
Who Do You Pay Too? The Harry Fox Agency, a mechanical licensing, collection and distribution agency.
What is a mechanical license? In simple terms: it is when music is licensed to be used on CDs, records, tapes and digital configurations i.e downloads, streaming etc.
How much do you pay? In the USA, a statutory fee is mandated through a mechanical royalty fee.
Who typically pays for this license? The Record label who seeks the song for its recording artist. It is subdivided into 1) mechanical royalty payment for the writer/publisher; and 2) mechanical royalty payment for the recording artist.
Does Nigeria Have a Fixed Mechanical Royalty Rate and Harry Fox Like Agency?
To my knowledge, there is no fixed mechanical royalty rate. I believe COSON has been advocating, in recent times, for that. COSON would be looking to also take on HFA’s role of mechanical licensing, collection and distribution in Nigeria.
Okay what’s really good with this Omawumi story? As to the Benin artist, we need more facts. We really don’t know enough despite the report. We need to hear his rendition and compare with Omawumi’s. Read the story below.
As to Omawumi’s seeming infringement of African Rhythm Messengers, we need to discuss sampling.
What is sampling?
Sampling is when you take someone else’s song or recorded performance and incorporate into your incorporate into your newly recorded song/performance. If you will use their work, then you need to pay them.
Here, there is no denying that Omawumi incorporated African Rhythm Messenger’s song into her own. Was this cleared i.e. she paid them and also agreed on how she would attribute credit etc. We don’t know. All we know right now is there is a third party, independent of the claim that African Rhythm messengers could have against Omawumi and her label (assuming it is not cleared), claiming copyright infringement.
Let’s narrow in a bit on clearing samples.
Samples are so common in hip-hop music today. Whether you reside in Nigeria or the USA, under both laws, you need clearance to use the music of another person. However, especially in hip-hop, sampling is a notorious phenomenon. Do artists get sued? Yes they do. Jay-Z, Kanye West are just examples of many artists sued for alleged sampling who have settled their cases and kept things moving.
Our Nigerian music industry is still young particularly when it comes to suing to preserve their legal rights. People tend to think “shake it off” and God will be the one to administer the revenge. I say there is a reason why God created the lawyers.
I presume as time goes on, the industry will become even more educated and Nigeria’s legal industry will also become more knowledgeable; which needless to say will lead to an increase in litigation over issues like these. We are already seeing an increase in litigation. I got virtual stares when I first began AML (AML is not even one year old, yet) because it was so foreign both on a cultural and business context. These days, I am receiving your releases and many heads up on ensuing legal battles. Many of you also email me to let me know you are setting better music law and business practices so your careers can flourish. I am happy to hear all of these. This is a good thing because if you as an artist work really hard, you should have something to show for it, especially as you age.
Legal Action By Lawyers When Sampling Occurs
1. The Attorney representing the party whose copyright you infringed will contact you to stop, effective immediately. Never ignore ANY correspondence from lawyers, the police, courts or judges. Bad mistake.
2. Lawyers ask you to stop through a “cease and desist” letter. It is no Kumbayah let’s all get along kind of letter. It is a “you’ve got 5days to quit with the mess, any and all mess, relating to infringement of my client’s work” kind of letter.
3. If you happen to have sold the infringed work, the lawyer should make a demand that such products currently on shelves, in digital stores, youtube stores etc. be recalled immediately.
4. Lawyers will also demand that profits and damages be made and for proper accounting.
An all out war takes place if you disagree with the alleged infringement accusation and decide to fight back. Otherwise, if you infringed and you cannot refute the evidence, then your lawyer would work out a settlement with the lawful copyright owner and you all keep it moving.
QUESTIONMARK MAG. STORY
“Months after singer Omawunmi released her stunning new single which she titled Bottom Belle where she duet current wave making Afro centric act Flavour,the story reaching us has it that once upon a time popular Ajegunle act, called Xperience Oligbese now based in Edo State capital Benin City, has threatened to drag the song diva Omawunmi to law court for what he termed copyright breach.
The handsome seven footer,popularly known for his trademark Oligbese for sale told us that Omawunmi lifted some lines from his song he titled Do Something which is contained in the album he titled Givam Chance,released sometime in early 2004 and was produced by Nelson Brown for Progressive Sound Park a Lagos based Recording company.
The Delta State born Dancehall act said before Omawunmi recorded her song we have met several times at shows,where I performed my songs in her presence and the only thing she told me was that she loves my style of song but she never told me that she was planning to lift some lines from my song titled “Do Something” until in February this year when the label owner that released my album called me to ask why I allowed Omawunmi to lift some lines from my song without permission or credit to me and I was surprised. . . ” Full story on Questionmark magazine.

Samuel L. Jackson Opens Up About His Stutter

Samuel L. Jackson sought help from a speech therapist to cure a stutter when he was a child.

The star confesses he was constantly teased by his fellow classmates for stammering. His aunt finally took him to a communication specialist to boost his self-esteem.

He told New York Magazine, "It manifests itself more when I read than when I talk. I have no idea why."

But the 63 year old no longer feels any shame, insisting some of his best pals and Hollywood greats have also struggled with a speech disorder.

He adds, "Denzel (Washington) stuttered. James Earl Jones stuttered. There are still days when I have my n-n-n days or r-r-r days. I try to find another word."

Glee's Amber Riley Collapses on Red Carpet

Amber Riley (Mercedes) fainted and collapsed on the red carpet in the midst of doing interviews with multiple media outlets before the cast's panel presentation. So is she OK?

Thankfully, we are told that Amber is "fine" and was simply "feeling dizzy" after working all day today on the show.

Soon after the event ended, Amber took to her Twitter account to assure fans she is OK. "Hey guys, I'm okay :) I got a little dizzy from all the photog flashes!" she wrote. "You'd think I's be used to it by now, still a red carpet amateur I guess. Gonna get checked out but I feel fine. Thank you for all the concern and well wishes."

She then added, "I'd also like to thank the photographers for being do professional and not taking photos of me on the ground. I truly truly appreciate it. Could have been super embarrassing."

The Glee cast, and producers, were on hand tonight at the TV Academy of Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood for a panel discussion held in front of Emmy voters. Fortunately, Amber was able to participate in the panel.

We interviewed nearly everyone from the cast tonight, so stand by for more scoop (and video interviews), tomorrow morning. The series is close to wrapping up production on its current third season.

We wish Amber all the best and hope she feels better!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Nigerian Music Nigeria – Its A Competition, Tiwa Savage Flaunts Her Private Jets

Omo i guess today is a good day on twitter, i recently posted davido’s check minutes ago. Now our sexy tiwa flaunts her own private jets as well. It’s definitely a competition, who is gonna flaunt what they have next? Ruggedman? Wizkid? Banky W? 2face? We shall see. Until then Deuces
P.s Two of these jets cost like 20 million, if am wrong, i guess tiwa is leading right about now..
Nigerian Music Nigeria 2Face, Banky W, Davido, Ruggedman, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid

is this really true, all this our lie lie artiste ... mswwww

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