By Joshua Olomu
Dr Nesta Andy-Philip has called on Government and other stakeholders in the creative sector to support Nigerian Disc Jockeys (Deejays or DJs), especially in the area of funding to enable them contribute adequately to the entertainment industry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he made the call in his keynote speech at the 2024 Deejays National Conference, organised by the Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
The conference, with the theme,” The Social-Economic Impact of Entertainment on the Creative Industry: A DJs Perspective”.
The event brought together Deejays from across the country to deliberate on issues affecting them.
According to Andy-Phillip, as Nigeria’s music industry evolves to become a global brand, Deejays are playing significant roles, even with little or no support from stakeholders.
He said that Deejays preserve music from going into extinction, and it was morally right that they should be recognised and supported for their unique functions.
He said although Deejays play crucial role in the music ecosystem, while artists and other creators are celebrated, they remained largely unnoticed and supported.
“Although the DJs operate in a harsh environment, they have impacted the Nigerian society positively, not minding the financial benefits.
“Deejays in this era are known for their technical skills and innovative mixing techniques as they experimented with beatmatching, blending tracks seamlessly, and using turntablism to create unique sounds and transitions.
“These techniques not only elevated the art of Deejing but also created a dynamic and continuous flow of music that energised the dance floor.
“Deejays are at the forefront of club culture, establishing a sense of community and identity within the nightlife scene.
“They often became the central figures around which subcultures are formed, attracting like-minded individuals who shared a passion for music, fashion, and the club experience.
“Deejays through their music selection, mixing skills, and performance techniques, create memorable experiences that resonate with audiences and contribute to the evolution of nightlife culture,” he said.
Inspite of the lack of support however, Andy-Philip urged Deejays to be proactive in harnessing their talents into a very formidable one, that will stand the test of time.
“The Association should initiate a strong financial fund for sustainability through robust membership dues, registration, and other outlets of income,” he said.
Earlier in his remark, president of DJAN, Prince Christian Edeh, popularly known as DJ Perfect International, said the annual conference provides Deejays across Nigeria to interact, share ideas and find solutions to their challenges.
“We interact, share ideas, promote ourselves, work together, encourage ourselves, and teach the younger ones the latest activities within our industry so that they can grow and better their craft.
“As an association, we are trying to foster relationship with the Federal Government, state governments, and the people in the creative industry, including the artists, producers, station and television houses.
“We want to be partners to everybody, as we come together to promote the craft of Deejay beyond the shores of Nigeria, and also to create employment and reduce vices that are troubling our country.
“We have members in 33 states of the federation, including the FCT, so every year, we come together to meet with our colleagues from other states,” he said.
The highpoint of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)between DJAN and the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria(MCSN).
Others are the Collecting Management Organisation (CMO) approved by Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) for Musical Works and Sound Recordings.
Mr Louis Udoh, General Manager,MCSN, said the MoU would entrust DJAN with the responsibility of ensuring that its members, as music users pay their royalties.
“What MCSN has done with DJAN today is to see ways that would make Deejays, as much as they use these music, to give back to the people who compose the music.
“They need to pay royalties to the musicians that compose these music, which is the raw materials for their works as Deejays.
“That is why MCSN is partnering with DJAN to get DJs in Nigeria, particularly their members to pay royalties and to take licence whenever they are going to use musical works for their trade,” he said,
The conference was concluded with a an award night to celebrate creative influence of Deejays in Nigeria’s music and entertainment industry.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA