Instead of ironclad contracts, the Nigerian music scene has long been driven by informal and relationship-based deals that unravel spectacularly, often on social media, when things go south.
Look at the infamous saga of Iyanya and Made Men Music, and Psquare and Jude Okoye—the former manager and elder brother who now finds himself in hot water with the EFCC for allegedly laundering billions of Naira.
Instead of resolving issues professionally, these disputes end up as headline-grabbing online brawls, with artists, managers, and record-label executives dragging each other through the mud on social media.
This isn’t just messy; it’s unsustainable for an industry worth almost $15 billion.
It’s high time the industry took a page from Hollywood’s playbook—where formal, structured, and professional governance is what reigns. When something goes wrong, why should our musicians settle for informal social media feuds when they can and should test our legal institutions?
Jude Okoye’s case, though unprecedented, might just be the wake-up call our music business needs. With every money laundering allegation and every disputed contract that ends up in court, there’s an opportunity to set up a framework that ensures accountability and fairness.
This case should encourage those who feel wronged or defrauded to pursue legal redress, transforming the way business is done behind the scenes.
The EFCC’s charge against Jude Okoye is more than just a scandal—it’s a litmus test for the entire industry. As consumers and stakeholders, we’re ready to pay more for reliable services and quality artistry.
But we also demand that every transaction and partnership in the music business be backed by transparency and professionalism.
It’s time for our beloved industry to shed its reputation for informal, ad hoc arrangements and social media drama and build a system as robust as that of the telecommunications and finance industries.
If Jude Okoye’s case sets a precedent for accountability, it could be the catalyst for a much-needed transformation in Nigerian entertainment.
