In a recent interview on the Afrobeats Podcast, Paul Play addressed the significant challenges posed by Nigeria’s inadequate intellectual property laws. The RnB singer and music producer expressed his frustration, particularly regarding the unavailability of some of his music on streaming platforms due to restrictive agreements with his former label, Kennis Music.
Paul Play revealed that since parting ways with the label, he has not received any royalties. He highlighted a lack of willingness from certain parties to engage in discussions about these issues. Furthermore, he shared his experiences with artists sampling his music without permission, emphasizing the ongoing problem in the industry.
One notable incident he recounted was when he sued MTN for using his music in an advertisement without consent. Despite facing backlash and accusations of trying to hinder younger artists, Paul Play stood firm on his decision, stating, “I received a lot of insults when I sued MTN.”
He pointed out that years after his dispute with MTN, the state of Nigeria’s intellectual property laws remains underdeveloped. Paul Play noted that his songs, including “Forever,” “Angel of My Life,” and “Mosorire,” have been sampled multiple times without his consent. He mentioned that Blaqbonez sampled his work on “Loyalty,” which was later removed from streaming services due to copyright issues. Additionally, Olamide’s recent interpolation of “Mosorire” on “Morowore” further highlights the ongoing challenges.
You can catch the full interview on The Afrobeats Podcast for deeper insights into Paul Play’s experiences and the broader implications for the music industry in Nigeria.