In a heartfelt plea to the Nigerian music industry, renowned comedian Oluwaseyitan Aletile, popularly known as Seyi Law, has issued a stern warning to record label owners, urging them to refrain from endangering the lives and careers of artists who choose to depart from their labels. This call to responsibility comes in the wake of the tragic passing of former Marlian Music signee, Mohbad, who died on Tuesday, barely a year after his controversial split from the Naira Marley-owned record label.
Taking to his social media platform, Seyi Law emphasized the need for music executives to recognize when it is time to let go and avoid positioning themselves as the ultimate authority over artists’ destinies.
“In life, we experience both victories and losses. Record label owners, and indeed senior colleagues in the entertainment industry, must grasp the importance of knowing when to gracefully release artists from their contracts. The decision to leave a label should not be a death sentence,” Seyi Law wrote.
He went on to stress the vital point that record labels should not claim to be the sole bestowers of talent upon artists. “Some of you have sworn that the talents who left your label will never succeed. You exert control by restricting their access to radio, television, and live performances. You wield immense power because you see yourselves as mini-gods. No one can approach you to plead. That’s not right.”
Seyi Law further delved into issues that plague the entertainment industry, highlighting the pervasive culture of substance abuse and the undue influence of individuals with no genuine stake in the industry.
“In your circles, it is seen as a sign of manliness to indulge in smoking and drinking. The prevalence of drugs is alarming. Young talents are pressured to conform. People who lack any legitimate involvement in entertainment end up controlling the destinies of the youth due to their involvement in cultism. No one is holding them accountable,” Seyi Law lamented.
He drew parallels with the past, recalling when rapper Ruggedman raised concerns about Naira Marley’s actions, which led to an attack on him in London. Today, the demand for accountability from Naira Marley is growing, with Seyi Law urging the police to fulfill their duty.
Seyi Law concluded his impassioned plea by appealing to label owners not to resort to extreme measures to maintain control. “Do not take another person’s life to preserve your own. In the end, we all depart this world one way or another. Your wealth should not become a tool for extinguishing another person’s life.”
Seyi Law’s powerful message serves as a reminder to the Nigerian music industry that the wellbeing and artistic freedom of artists should always be a top priority for record label owners and industry stakeholders alike. The tragic loss of Mohbad highlights the urgent need for reforms and accountability within the industry to prevent further untimely departures of young talents.
