A broad spectrum of popular Nigerian musicians yesterday came under the hammer of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) over what the organisation termed arbitrary levying of broadcast stations by the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), the government’s licensed collecting society.

The musicians, whose intellectual property rights rest with COSON, and whose works have banned from airplay include TuFace Idibia, D’Banj, Inyanya, Olamide, Dr. Sid, Sammie Okposo, Banky W, Wizkid, MI, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Olu Maintain, 9ice, Sunny Neji, Flavour, Chidinma, Rugged Man, Keffee, Midnite Crew, Eldee De Don, Azeezat, Jazzman Olofin, KC Presh, X Project, Asha, Konga and African China.

Among others are Majek Fashek, J. Martins, Omawunmi, Yinka Ayefele, Ebenezer Obey, Victor Uwaifo, Onyeka Onwenu, Owen Gee, Dekunle Fuji, Lord of Ajasa, Zoolezoo, Muma Gee, ID Cabassa, Klever J, Terry G, Nomoreloss, Mike Okri, Weird MC, Mode 9, Timaya, Sound Sultan, Waje, Mo’Cheddah, Slam, Djinee, Solid Star, Dan Maraya Jos, Stella Monye, Daniel Wilson, Alex Zitto, Sir Shina Peters, Ras Kimono, Wale Thompson, Kollington Ayinla, Adewale Ayuba, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Tim Godfrey.

BON took the decision to ban the works of these musicians in collaboration with the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN). A statement by IBAN Secretary, Mr. Guy Murray Bruce, said the ban takes immediate effect.

COSON had taken several broadcast stations, hotels and other institutional users of musical works to court, among them DAAR Communications Plc, owners of RayPower FM, Faaji FM and Africa Independent Televison (AIT). It has also negotiated payment with many, among them DStv, Silverbird and Cool FM.

Responding to the news of the ban, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, said he felt like weeping, lamenting that it is only in Nigeria that this can take place. He said the only sin COSON has committed was going to court to compel broadcasting stations to pay royalties for use of music. Okoroji expressed regret that there is a common attitudinal disregard for intellectual property right in the country.

•Photo shows Tuface on stage.