The Western Zone of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has announced plans to host an international Yoruba music festival as part of efforts to promote indigenous culture and boost tourism.
This was contained in a communiqué issued after a regional meeting held in Akure, Ondo State, attended by zonal executives, state governors, and general secretaries from Ekiti, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states.
According to the communiqué, the proposed International Yoruba Music Festival will bring together all Yoruba-speaking states and showcase local music and cultural heritage on a global stage.
The association also directed stronger collaboration among its state chapters, urging all segments to work closely with their respective PMAN governors to improve unity, operational efficiency, and member welfare. It reaffirmed PMAN’s status as the only trade union officially recognized by the Federal Government in matters concerning performing musicians.
On copyright issues, the zone welcomed the recent disbursement of over ₦1.2 billion by the Federal Government through the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) to musicians and stakeholders as copyright levy. The body described the development as a positive step toward ensuring artists benefit from their intellectual property.
However, it called on MCSN to improve transparency and efficiency in royalty distribution. The communiqué emphasized that royalties must be paid directly into musicians’ individual accounts, warning that no intermediary is authorized to collect payments on behalf of members. It also urged the society to enhance its digital platforms and encouraged musicians to upload their works for proper documentation and evaluation.
In a move aimed at strengthening regulation within the industry, the Western Zone adopted the introduction of job licences for members, and musicians across the region have been directed to obtain licences through their respective state chapters to ensure better protection and organization of professional activities.
On national leadership, the zone reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional principles, insisting that PMAN leadership must reflect the will of its members rather than external imposition. It expressed support for the last elected leadership under Chief Fruitful Mekwunye and pledged cooperation with directives from the association’s National Executive Council.
The zone also expressed confidence in the Industrial Courts to resolve ongoing disputes within the union.
The communiqué was signed by Western Zone Chairman Chief Ola Jombo, Secretary Evang. Baale Remi Aderoju, Treasurer Comrade Mutiu Ayeloja (Manadex), and Public Relations Officer Comrade Chris Aduroja, alongside state representatives.
State representatives (Governors) include Comrade Jide Murphy — Ondo State, Comrade Sir Taiwo Omotunde, KCW — Oyo State, Comrade Chief Olalere Adankanra — Ekiti State, Comrade Sir Olutayo Akinbade, KCW — Osun State, Comrade Alhaji Fatai Tijani — Lagos State, Comrade Prince Abiodun Adegoroye (Abbey Simmo) — Ogun State, Comrade Adisa Owala — Kwara State.
State Secretaries are :
Comrade Dr. Adeolu Afolami — Oyo State
Comrade Temitope Opeyemi — Osun State
Comrade Ben Ikuejomofo — Ondo State
Comrade Chris Aduroja — Ekiti State
Comrade Olujimi Oyewusi ( G-Mighty) – Ogun State
Comrade Ewetade Monsuru – Lagos State
Comrade prophet Ejire Adetoro – Kwara State
