By Adedapo Adesanya

Major Nigerian record labels have kicked against a plan by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to disburse music copyright levies to the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN).

According to a report by Pulse Nigeria, the opposition is being led by the umbrella body representing several leading Nigerian record labels – Record Label Proprietors Initiative Limited (ReLPI) – an industry group that includes Mavin Records, Chocolate City, and Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) among others.

According to the publication, ReLPI argues that the NCC’s decision to channel the levy solely through MCSN is flawed and does not reflect the structure of rights ownership in sound recordings. MCSN is recognised by the NCC as the only Collective Management Organization (CMO) allowed to license, monitor, and distribute royalties for Musical Works and Sound Recordings in Nigeria.

However, at At the centre of the dispute is the private copying levy, a statutory compensation meant to remunerate rights holders for unauthorised private copying of copyrighted works, such as music copied onto personal devices.

According to ReLPI, sound recording owners—primarily record labels—are major beneficiaries under the law but were not adequately consulted or represented in the proposed distribution framework. They maintained that Section 89(3) of the Copyright Act 2022 allows the NCC to disburse such levies not only to approved collective management organisations (CMOs) but also to other representatives of rights holders.

ReLPI formally raised concerns with the NCC, stressing that MCSN does not have the mandate to collect or distribute royalties on behalf of its members in a letter dated January 21, 2025.

The controversy has also drawn international attention, particularly from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which represents record labels worldwide. Pulse Nigeria reported that the body wrote to the NCC on January 22, 2026, urging transparency and fairness in the disbursement process.

IFPI emphasised that the portion of the levy attributable to sound recordings must be paid directly to legitimate rights holders or bodies with a clear and unequivocal mandate to represent them.

Despite these objections, the NCC has reportedly maintained its position, insisting that MCSN remains the only recognised CMO in the Nigerian music sector and will therefore receive the funds. ReLPI members claim they have been informed that the commission intends to proceed with the payment.

Business Post reports that this development has reignited broader debates about governance and transparency in Nigeria’s music copyright ecosystem.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Details of the 2026 edition of the +234 Art Fair slated for the Ecobank Pan‑African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, have emerged.

The event, in its third season, organised by Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Galley, will take place from March 5 to 8, 2026, with the theme Inclusivity, underscoring the shared commitment of the organisers to creative entrepreneurship, equitable access, and the deliberate expansion of opportunity within Nigeria’s contemporary art ecosystem.

“Inclusivity is about opening doors wider and changing who gets seen, supported, and celebrated. We are already receiving exceptional works from artists who might otherwise not have access to platforms like this. The application remains open, and I encourage Nigerian artists to seize this opportunity to be recognised among the continent’s finest,” the founder of Soto Gallery, Ms Tola Akerele, said.

The Head of SME Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Ms Omoboye Odu, described the 2026 fair as a purposeful intervention aimed at reshaping how Nigerian creativity is discovered, supported, and sustained.

“For the third edition of the +234 Art Fair, we celebrate Inclusivity as both a principle and a practice. Art belongs to everyone. This fair intentionally broadens the frame—moving beyond traditional centres of access to spotlight talent from the margins, from new geographies, and from voices that deserve to be heard.

“If you are an artist working across boundaries, challenging perspectives, or creating outside established systems, this is your moment. +234 Art Fair 2026 is about building a more equitable creative future—together.”

The +234 Art Fair has quickly established itself as one of Lagos’ most important contemporary art platforms, with a distinct focus on emerging and often ungalleried Nigerian artists.

In just a few years, the fair has become a critical gateway—connecting local talent to collectors, patrons, cultural institutions, and global audiences, while strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.

This year’s programme is expected to attract a diverse audience, including art lovers from across Nigeria, residents of the African diaspora, senior government officials, policymakers, members of the diplomatic community, collectors, and global art enthusiasts.

Episode 2 of Heartbeat turned up the heat, giving viewers a closer look at the singles, their intentions, and the sparks already flying in the Love Pad.

Ken and Latifah were still feeling the closeness from their night together. Latifah was clearly enjoying the attention and didn’t want it to end, while Ken expressed comfort with her but also hinted at exploring other connections, a move that immediately stirred emotions.

As the singles settled in, conversations revealed more about who they really are. Chidera admitted her views on marriage and kids might clash with Kenna’s, though she confessed she liked him. Hilda shared that she was still trying to figure out Igwe, while Alvin revealed he finds older, intelligent women especially attractive. Shekinah, on the other hand, admitted she wasn’t connecting the way she hoped and longed for someone she could truly flow with in the Love Pad.

Drama soon followed when the singles wrote notes to the people who caught their eye and dropped them on the Walls of Heart. While some singles like Chidera, Kena, and Hilda didn’t receive any notes, Toria and Igwe were clearly the centre of attention.

Toria received notes from three different singles. Igwe wrote that he finds her attractive and would love to explore a connection with her. Ken described her as his “spec” and said he wants to get to know her on a deeper level, while Alvin expressed interest and curiosity, hoping to see where a connection with her could lead.

Igwe also received notes from three singles. Latifah asked him to make the first move, sharing that she would like to have conversations with him. Shekinah said she wanted to explore deeper conversations, while Toria wrote that she’s interested in getting to know him better and seeing where things could go.

Some singles didn’t get any notes, but that didn’t shake them. Chidera felt confident about her bond with Kena, Kena stayed focused on Chidera, and Hilda kept her cool despite the quiet attention.

Tensions rose during a playful lemon game when Shekinah stopped mid-play, leading to a heated exchange with Igwe. Later, Shekinah and Alvin had an honest conversation about respect and communication, leaving Shekinah surprised by his directness. Ken and Latifah navigated tricky emotions as Ken admitted he’d like to be paired with Toria if recoupling happened, which didn’t sit well with Latifah, who revealed she had her eyes on Igwe.

The episode climaxed with the Score Kiss Challenge, a blindfolded game where men kissed each woman while wearing headphones, and the women rated each kiss purely on feel. When the scores were counted, Igwe emerged as the best kisser, earning the power to choose who he would spend the night with in the Love Nest, a choice that could shift dynamics across the house.

Episode 2 proved that attraction, curiosity, and tension are rising fast. With notes exchanged, sparks flying, and Igwe holding the key to the next night, all eyes are on Episode 3 to see who will get the Love Nest and whose hearts will collide next.

Catch Heartbeat every Sunday at 9 pm on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, and Showmax. To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.