All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, has 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 Nigeria’s singer, Mohbad, (real name Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba).

Mohbad died on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in an event that has generated massive public reaction.

The 27-year-old budding music star also known as Imole (Light) was a young and very promising artist whose creativity and amazing gift have made him produce highly thrilling lyrics that have warmed the hearts of millions of fans across the world.

The President and Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, in a statement, while lamenting that Africa has lost a promising talent in its growing music industry in a shocking manner, noted that institutionalization of the music/entertainment industry remains a top priority in curbing the unprofessional practices that have been existing within the industry in Africa.

He said; “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.

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 concerns echo the call for justice for the late musician whose passing has created suspicion of foul play. The Nigerian Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death as the public keenly awaits the outcome.

Musicians and celebrities from Nigeria and internationally including Kodak Black, Lil Durk, and Meek Mill have all paid tributes to the late Street Hop sensation whose music has enjoyed a resurgence in the streaming platforms in Nigeria.

Nigerian skit maker and brand influencer, Mandy Ayomiposi Oluwada, popularly known as Mandy Kiss, has said she regrets tattooing the face of rapper Naira Marley on her thighs.

This comes following the death of Mohbad, a former signee of Naira Marley with allegations linking the Marlian boss to the sudden death of the singer.

Reacting via her Instagram story, Mandy expressed regrets for idolising the Marlian Music boss.

She wrote, “I regretted the day I tattooed ur face on my laps, Naira Marley.

“You’re a big m*ss.

“Best day of my life is June 30 d day I erased ur face.”

Grammy-award-winning Nigerian artiste Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, has canceled his highly anticipated live concert due to the promoters’ inability to fulfill their contractual obligations.

Burna’s live concert was scheduled for September 23, at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Buran’s statement is coming after Ticketing company, Ticket Pro, announced Wednesday that the highly anticipated show, is being postponed due to a ‘lack of ticket’ sales, among other reasons.

“We regret to announce the postponement of the highly anticipated Burna Boy concert scheduled to take place at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on 23 September 2023.

“The concert will now take place on the 16th of December 2023.

“This decision was not made lightly by the promoter and comes as a result of careful consideration and assessment of various factors, including the lack of ticket sales,” read the statement by Ticket Pro.

Spaceship Management, Burna’s management company, has since reacted to this claim by Ticket Pro, stating the concert promoters’ Ternary Media Group’s failure to fulfill their financial, production, and technical obligations to the team.

“Sadly, it is with great regret that we must inform you that despite my team’s effort, the show in Johannesburg on September 23rd, will be canceled due to the inability of the promoters to fulfill their contractual, financial, production, and technical obligations.

“Production vendors have still not been paid and as such, it is evident at this point that the agreed production standard needed for this venue size can not be achieved.

“We hereby state that all ticketing companies must ensure that is refunded in full.

“Deepest apologies to all fans, looking forward to seeing you all soon,” their statement read.