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 Adedapo Adesanya

The Venusta Fashion Show is officially gearing up for its highly anticipated 4th edition, following a sold-out atmosphere and over 200 attendees at its last outing. This year’s edition promises more style, more impact, and a breathtaking experience for designers, brands, and fashion enthusiasts.

Produced by Panda Media Entertainment and curated by Mr Michael “ICHIE PANDA” Okolie, Venusta has become a fast growing platform at the intersection of fashion, media, and creative excellence, championing bold African narratives and industry collaboration.

Adding to the excitement, VENUSTA will also unveil the second issue of Venusta Magazine, ushering in a new editorial chapter with Chichebe Dike announced as Editor-in-Chief. The upcoming issue is set to deliver sharper storytelling, elevated visuals, and conversations shaping the future of African fashion.

Speaking on the vision behind the platform, founder Mr Okolie notes, “There is an extraordinary wealth of untapped talent within the African fashion industry, from designers to models and creative storytellers whose voices deserve global visibility. Venusta was created as a platform to amplify these talents, provide meaningful exposure, and celebrate the richness of African culture through art, fashion, and collaboration. Beyond the runway, Venusta is a movement that honours identity, creativity, and the power of African expression.”

In another major reveal, anticipation is building around the Face of Venusta 2026, as the current reigning face, Miss Jessica Ogbulie, prepares to pass the torch. The search for the next face signals Venusta’s continued commitment to celebrating confidence, individuality, and modern African beauty.

With each edition raising the bar, the 4th Venusta Fashion Show is shaping up to be more than a runway, it’s a cultural moment and a strategic platform for brands, sponsors, and partners looking to align with innovation, visibility, and influence within Africa’s fashion ecosystem.

According to the organisers, the event date, venue, call for designers, sponsorship and partnership opportunities will be announced in due course.

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.