By IFECHI OKOH

The Record Label Proprietors' Initiative (RELPI), a new organization representing record companies in Nigeria, has officially been launched in Lagos. The launchin took place on August 11, 2023, with the aim of promoting and protecting the interests of its record company members in the Nigerian music industry.

RELPI acts as the collective voice for the Nigerian recording industry on issues of policy, protection and enforcement of the intellectual property rights of its members, and engagement with commercial music users, regulators, government, trade associations, and many others, in furthering the interests of its members.

As part of the unveiling of RELPI, which was witnessed by heavyweights in the recorded music business in Nigeria, the launch had two panel sessions which dealt with critical issues that affect the recorded music business in Nigeria and Africa.

The first panel moderated by the RELPI Board Secretary and Partner at Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, Isioma Idigbe, discussed the topic, “The Value of Recorded Music and the Role of National Groups,” presented by the South African National Group (RiSA), Financial Director, Nishal Lalla. On the panel were Sipho Dlamini, President, Gamma Africa & Middle East, Adipo Otieno, Regional Licensing & Policy Lead, SSA, IFPI and Speaker, Nishal Lalla.

The second panel moderated by the General Manager of Nigeria’s oldest record company, Premier Records Limited, Michael Odiong, treated the topic: “Navigating the changing landscape of the recorded music industry in the digital era – the role and value of record labels in the modern music ecosystem,” presented by the MD, UMG Southern & East Africa, Manusha Sarawan. On the panel were the Speaker, Manusha Sarawan, Tega Oghenejobo, COO, Mavin Records and Chairman of RELPI, Aibee Abidoye, EVP Chocolate City, Titilope Adesanya, Director of Operations, Empire.

The IFPI Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Director, Angela Ndambuki, who attended the launch virtually, said the launch theme, “Value of Recorded Music,” was carefully chosen with a focus on the impact of recorded music on the economy and society at large. “A big thank you to all speakers for the engaging and enlightening conversations. Chinedu Chukwuji leads RELPI’s efforts to ensure there’s a conducive environment for the recording industry in Nigeria to thrive. IFPI continues to support efforts that develop and grow the recording industry in Sub- Saharan Africa,” she said

Also present at the well-attended event were representative of the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Lynda Alphaeus, Lagos Zonal Manager; Juliana Oboh-Joseph representing the Director WIPO Nigeria; Daniel Owolabi, Label Manager, Sony Music West Africa; Ikechukwu Onuorah, Director of Strategy, Jumamo Digital Services; Foza Fawehinmi, Principal Partner, Zaeda Oracle, Efe Omorogbe, CEO NowMuzik; Obi Asika, Founder Cabal Entertainment & Dragon Africa; Justin Ige, Principal Partner, Creative Legal; Iredumare Opeyemi, Principal Partner TP, among many others.

RELPI's National Coordinator, Chinedu Chukwuji, said: "We are delighted to announce the launch of RELPI, which will serve as a voice and a platform for record companies in Nigeria. We believe that by working together, we can create a more sustainable and vibrant music ecosystem that benefits both artists and labels. The role of RELPI amongst other things, is to ensure the alignment of the Nigerian market to changing global market conditions and maintain healthy relationships with other copyright organizations locally and internationally; to establish and maintain a database of International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) for all releases by phonogram producers in Nigeria in line with the IFPI regulations and to establish, audit, verify and award sales certifications in Nigeria."

RELPI's members include some of the most innovative and influential record companies in Nigeria such as Mavin Records, Chocolate City, Universal Music Group, Premier Records, Sony Music, Warner Music and member invitations are open to all record labels in Nigeria.

RELPI plans to organize various activities and events throughout the year to showcase the value of recorded music, as well as to provide important services, training and networking opportunities for its members.

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