THE COSON MUSIC FOUNDATION: WHY I'M COMMITTED TO THE COSON MUSIC FOUNDATION

Friday 11 January 2013

WHY I'M COMMITTED TO THE COSON MUSIC FOUNDATION - OKOROJI

‘The rash of avoidable deaths and incapacitation from manageable ailments that have hit the Nigerian creative community in recent times are some of the reasons behind my total commitment to the big launch of the COSON Music Foundation in 2013’ so says the Chairman of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji. According to the COSON Chair, ‘All over the country, there are very talented people from the creative community suffering from diseases that are curable or living in situations that are heart breaking and our nation appears unable to do anything about these situations. I agree that we will not be able to solve everyone’s problems but we should not be so handicapped that we cannot do anything for anyone. All we seem to do is to pray. Prayer is good but prayer without action is not good enough’

Chief Okoroji says, ‘despite the great passion that a lot of people have for football, I have met many who cannot stand football. Rice is probably the most loved food in the world yet there are people who do not eat rice. I have travelled round the world and I am yet to find one person who does not love music. As we begin 2013, I am going to beg everyone who loves music to contribute to the COSON Music Foundation so that we can prevent the untimely death of another music talent or give an opportunity to some indigent talented person to bloom. I intend to campaign every day and everywhere and we will turn hopelessness to enchanting smiles. I have no doubt that once again we will prove that complaining is not just enough, we can actually solve problems in Nigeria’

Chief Okoroji is calling on everyone who has been moved by a piece of music to contribute something to the COSON Music Foundation account no. 2022235592 at First Bank of Nigeria saying that every drop will help make the dream a reality.

Preparations are already in full gear at the Opebi Lagos Headquarters of COSON for a massive launch of the COSON Music Foundation. The COSON Music Foundation will be a depository of funds to assist indigent musicians or musicians in distress. The Foundation will also provide funding for music education and training for young musicians, deliver insurance schemes to assist musicians in their time of need, provide robust intervention in the battle against piracy etc. COSON believes that these are important objectives requiring considerable resources which the distributable funds of the organization may not be readily applied to because of the regulatory framework under which COSON operates

The COSON Music Foundation will be formally launched in style on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 in Lagos. The launch is a major highlight of The COSON Week 2013, one week of unrivalled spectacle which will grip the attention of the nation from May 19, 2013 and rise to a crescendo on May 25, 2013 when the first COSON Song Awards is unveiled in Lagos. Nothing is being left to chance to make The COSON Week 2013 unforgettable moments in the life experience of Nigerians.

In the words of Chief Okoroji, ‘Hundreds of Nigeria’s topmost artistes are members of COSON. The build-up to the events of the COSON Week will be like nothing ever seen in Nigeria’. The COSON Chairman has said that he is giving a personal guarantee that the COSON Week 2003 will be talked about for years and years to come. ‘We are planning live broadcasts across the board and there will be something in the program to grip the attention of everyone, young, old, Christian, Muslim, old school, new school, etc. It will be a paparazzi festival and a promotional and advertising bonanza’

According to the erstwhile President of PMAN and undisputed master organizer of the big show, ‘anyone who knows me knows that I will not promise things and not deliver. With our pedigree, every corporate, communications or brand manager should have full confidence to partner with us with the assurance that we will deliver unmatched value’

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THE COSON SONG AWARDS WINNERS

Song of the 60s:

Joromi

Victor Efosa Uwaifo

Song of the 70s:

Sweet Mother

Prince Nico Mbarga

Song of the 80s:

Send Down the Rain

Majek Fashek

Song of the 90s:

Wonder Wonder

Femi Kuti

Contemporary Afro Song of

the New Millennium:

Olorioko

Kehinde Akinbode (Alias Kenny Kore)

Contemporary Pop Song of

the New Millennium:

African Queen

2Face Idibia & Black Face

Contemporary Highlife Song of

the New Millennium:

Oruka

Sunny Neji

Contemporary Afro Song of

the New Era:

Iheneme

2Face Idibia

Contemporary Pop Song of

the New Era:

Chop My Money

Peter, Paul & Jude Okoye

Contemporary Highlife Song of

the New Era:

Baby Oku

COSON ON DA STREETZ

Tuesday, May 21 was a big party day in Lagos as the musicians of Nigeria offered their fans an unprecedented free street party during the much anticipated COSON In the Streets. Lagosians were treated to a rare sight of some of their favorite celebrities, as they turned out en masse to give back to the society. The COSON in the Streets storm began at Apple Junction in the Festac/ Amuwo area. From Festac through Festac Estate to Mile 2, Agboju – Alakija, the train arrived the Trade Fair Complex about 11 am where a 30 minutes party brought life to the otherwise quiet arena. After cleaning exercises that had people in the area making the best use of the opportunity to take pictures and mingle with their favorite celebrities, the fun train moved to other areas. Ace celebrities like Tuface (who had earlier made his presence at the Apple junction) Faze of the Plantashun Boiz fame, Sound Sultan, popular comedian, Koffi, Ras Kimono, King Wadada among many others were on ground to add fun to the delight of the people in the area. The event climaxed when COSON Chairman Chief Tony Okoroji and the Rubber Dubmaster were seen driving garbage truck at different times; while Faze and Sound Sultan, clad in LAWMA jumpsuit were also seen cleaning the area. People located at Agboju, 1st Gate, Maza Maza, Mile 2, Alaba, Alafia, Coker and Orile who wanted to experience the once in a life time opportunity of seeing and feeling the galaxy of stars were on the streets waving, singing along and running after the train for as long as they could, just to catch a glimpse of the stars. The train later turned at the National Theatre and headed through Costain and Alaka to the National Stadium where another several minutes of festivities locked down the area. While some celebrities visited the Hospice in Surulere to show love and support for the physically challenged and abandoned children, dreadlocked superstar Raskimono; one of Nigeria’s foremost gospel singers, Kenny Saint Best were seen controlling traffic in front of the National Stadium. COSON in the Streets thereafter moved on through Barracks, Ojuelegba, flanking right subsequently into Ikorodu Road. Music Fans around Jibowu, Fadeyi, Onipanu, Palmgrove, Obanikoro, Anthony and Idiroko stood along the ever busy Ikorodu Road waving to the train. The COSON in the Streets party then moved to Maryland, where a serious throw down around the Mister Biggs Arena thrilled anxious guests hours on end with superlative performances from some of the stars. It was indeed a day Lagosians will never forget.

IN D CHURCH

It was fun, glitz, razzmatazz and class as Nigeria’s entertainment’s finest came out in their Sunday best to witness the first event of the much talked about and highly publicized COSON Week. COSON in the Church which held Sunday May 19 at the Household of God Church was as exciting and fun filled as promised. Dancing, jiving, gyrating and rocking to every performance, guests were treated to a night of glorious worship songs from some of the best gospel singers in the land. Thrilling guests on the night was Panam Percy Paul, Princess Anne Iyang, Dizzy K. Falola, Asu Ekiye, BOUQUI, Segun Obe and the wonder whiz kid on the saxophone, TJ Sax.

In attendance were A-list celebrities including, Evangelist Dr. Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi, Kenny Saint Best, Oge Okoye Duru, Queen Ure, Blackky, Ara, Zakky Adze, Sheyi Shey, Obiwon, Emma Ogosi, Laolu Akins, Dr. Ben, Ofueze, Sunny Neji, Soul E, Dude Tetsola, Mr. Cool, Erelu Keji Okunowo, Odion Iroje, Chris Ajilo, among many others.
It was also a conclave of men of God as many of them lent their praying voice and supplication for Nigeria and COSON. The men of God present included the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Felix Omobude, Pastor Itua Ighodalo, Bishop John Osa Oni, Rev. J.B Odofin, Bishop Adekolu and his wife, Bishop Kayode Williams, Bishop Akinola, Rev. Folarin Obey-Fabiyi, Deaconess Olu Alonge And Pastor Nureni Alabi among many clergies.

COSON SONG AWARDS - NOMINATIONS

Song of the 60s: Victor Olaiya - Baby Jowo Bobby Benson -Taxi Driver Victor Efosa Uwaifo - Joromi Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson-Love Adure Celestine Ukwu - Ijenu Isaac Kehinde Dairo - Mo Se Orire Stephen Osita Osadebe - One Pound, No Balance Fela Ransom Kuti - Oni Dodo Chris Ajilo - Eko Gbagbere Fatai Rolling Dollar - Won Keresi Song of the 70s: Ebenezer Obey -Board Members Fela Anikulapo Kuti - Shakara Bongos Ikwue - Still Searching Prince Nico Mbarga - Sweet Mother Oliver De Coque - Identity Raphael Amarabem- Eddie Quansah Sonny Okosun - Help Cliff David - Beautiful Woman Sunny Ade - Syncro System Dan Ian - Fuel for love Song of 80s: Kris Okotie - I Need Someone Majek Fashek - Send Down the Rain Felix Lebarty - Ngozi Shina Peters - Ijo Shina Ras Kimono - Rumba Style Bright Chimezie – African Style Sikiru Ayinde Barrister - Fuji Garbage Christy Essien - Seun Rere Victor Essiet - Rat Race Sunny Okosun - Which Way Nigeria? Song of the 90s: Lagbaja -Coolu Temper Baba Fryo - Denge Pose Daddy Shokey- Diana Eddy Brown -Sha komo? Wasiu Ayinde - Baby me Show Colour Femi Kuti - Wonder Wonder Oritz Wiliki - Heart of Stone Sunny Neji - Mr Fantastic Pasuma Wonder - Orobokibo Adewale Ayuba - Mr Johnson Contemporary Afro Song in the New Millennium: Lagbaja - Konko Below Timaya - Dem Mama 9ice - Gongo Aso Mad Melon & Mountain Black -_ Danfo Driver Jeremiah Gyang – Na Ba Ka Kehinde Akinbode - Olorioko African China - Crisis Duncan Mighty – Port Harcourt First Son Contemporary Pop Song in the New Millennium: T. Y. Bello – Greenland Paul Play Dairo – Angel of my Life Asa - Jailer Dare Art Alade - Not the Girl Tunde Akinsami/Shifi Emoefe - Olufunmi 2 Face Idibia/Black Face - African Queen Peter, Paul & Jude Okoye - Bizzy Body Banky W - Strong Thing M.I. - Number One Contemporary Highlife Song in the New Millennium: Sunny Neji - Oruka Bracket - Yori Yori D’ Banj - Mo Bo Lowo J. Martins - Good & Bad Mike Abdul & Patricia King - Igwe Princess Annie Inyang - Akanamkwe Flavour - Oyi NaTumu Contemporary Afro Song in the New Era: Wiz Kid - Pakurumo Olamide - First of All Omawumi - If you Ask Me Tiwa Savage- Kele Kele W4 - Gba Control 2face Idibia- Ihe Neme Cobams Asuquo - Kedike D’Banj - Oliver Twist Iyanya - Ku Kere Jaywon - This Year Brymo - Ara N’be Contemporary Pop Song in the New Era: Davido - Dami Duro Asa - Be Mine Ice Prince - Oleku Vector - Angeli Bez - Stupid Song Dammykrane - My Dear Solid Star - omotena Chuddy K - Gaga Crazy May D - Ile Ijo P-Square - Chop My Money Seyi Shay - Irawo Contemporary Highlife Song in the New Era: Bracket/Wizkid - Girl Wizboy - Infinity J Martins - Fine Fine Love P-Square - . Beautiful Onyinye Flavour - Baby Oku

THE UNVEILING

The important details of the much talked about COSON Week 2013 will be revealed to the public at a special world press conference to be held in Lagos on Tuesday, February 5, 2013. At the press conference, the different events, their venues, the dramatis personae, sponsors and supporters will be revealed to the media. The conference which will take place in a very unique style will also be used to break down the concept of the COSON Music Foundation, its mission and modus operandi. According to COSON General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, ‘the holiday is over. We have shifted to a new gear. My team at COSON knows that we have a date with history between May 19 and 25, 2013. Our many friends around the world are also aware and excited. Many have already booked their flights for Lagos for the COSON Week.. My team has been trained to work 24 hours a day if necessary. We are ready for whatever it takes to make sure that the events of COSON Week 2013 remain indelible in the minds of Nigerians for all times’ Continued Mr. Chukwuji: ‘At COSON, we don’t just react to events, we shape events. That is why we are all committed to the setting up of the COSON Music Foundation which is strategic to the long term stability of the music industry in Nigeria. We are calling all friends of the music industry and all lovers of music wherever they may be found, to give whatever support they can to the COSON Music Foundation. The Foundation will be a depository of funds to assist indigent musicians or musicians in distress. The Foundation will also provide funding for music education and training for young musicians, deliver insurance schemes to assist musicians in their time of need, provide robust intervention in the battle against piracy etc. At COSON, we believe that these are important objectives requiring considerable resources which the distributable funds of the organization may not be readily applied to because of the regulatory framework under which COSON operates’ In an earlier message during the New Year, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji had spoken about the dream of the COSON Music Foundation in the following words, ‘The rash of avoidable deaths and incapacitation from manageable ailments that have hit the Nigerian creative community in recent times are some of the reasons behind my total commitment to the big launch of the COSON Music Foundation in 2013. All over the country, there are very talented people from the creative community suffering from diseases that are curable or living in situations that are heart breaking and our nation appears unable to do anything about these situations. I agree that we will not be able to solve everyone’s problems but we should not be so handicapped that we cannot do anything for anyone. All we seem to do is to pray. Prayer is good but prayer without action is not good enough’ Chief Okoroji says, ‘despite the great passion that a lot of people have for football, I have met many who cannot stand football. Rice is probably the most loved food in the world yet there are people who do not eat rice. I have travelled round the world and I am yet to find one person who does not love music. As we begin 2013, I am going to beg everyone who loves music to contribute to the COSON Music Foundation so that we can prevent the untimely death of another music talent or give an opportunity to some indigent talented person to bloom. I intend to campaign every day and everywhere and we will turn hopelessness to enchanting smiles. I have no doubt that once again we will prove that complaining is not just enough, we can actually solve problems in Nigeria’ As the clock ticks towards the big World Press Conference at which the full details of COSON Week 2013 will be unveiled, Chief Okoroji is calling on everyone who has been moved by a piece of music to contribute something to the COSON Music Foundation account no. 2022235592 at First Bank of Nigeria saying that every drop will help make the dream a reality.

MI

1. Nigerian musicians are taking the world by storm. In every city in every continent in the world today, music made by Nigerians has become one of the most important positive identifiers of the Nigerian nation. For every Tu Face Idibia that is considered a success story, there are many other equally talented young Nigerians seeking a little assistance to help propel them to a better future. For every P Square making waves from Cape Town to Cairo, there are many more talented twins who with some help can rewrite the history of Nigerian music. The COSON Music Foundation can provide the assistance they need, ensuring that these talents are not wasted, providing a path to gainful employment to gifted Nigerians who the Devil may otherwise have used to torment the nation.

UCHE IBETO

2. Around the country are many who have used their music to give so much happiness to many of our countrymen but who today as a result of age, infirmity or some incident outside their control spend their lives in indescribable misery. In a calling where there is no pension, no gratuity and no insurance scheme, the COSON Music Foundation can provide the support mechanism to put smiles back on the faces of many who today are virtually hopeless and guarantee those who are presently active that if that day comes when they may no longer be on top of their game, they can be sure of a safety net to cushion any fall.

WIZ KID

3. To develop the Nigerian music of the future that has the potency to rule the world, energize our tourism industry and be a key tool for national mobilization, there is need for constant research and training of the minds that will seize upon the great potentials that abound in our nation and unleash that creative energy on the world in an articulated sense. Very little research is presently going on in this area even in our best institutions because there are no resources and very little leadership. The COSON Music Foundation can provide the resources and leadership to trigger a new economic and cultural revolution based on the effervescent Naija spirit driven by the music and popular culture of the Nigerian people in an area in which our nation has strong international comparative advantage.

SUNNY NEJI

All over Nigeria, musicians continue to pay a huge price for the massive abuse of intellectual property rights. This abuse seriously discourages investment in the music industry causing a drain on the national economy. Even when there are clear plans to address the infringement of intellectual property rights in Nigeria, there are very limited resources to activate the plans. The COSON Music Foundation ought to provide resources to intensify the battle against piracy and other forms of abuse of the rights of musicians in Nigeria thereby creating a better environment for investment in the music industry.

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COSON ON THE STREETS

Friday 11 January 2013

WHY I'M COMMITTED TO THE COSON MUSIC FOUNDATION - OKOROJI

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