Artist Manager, Segun Adewumi Gabriels Advocates Vigilance Against Copyright Infringement

With a career rooted in nurturing artistic talents, Gabriels is has offered crucial advice on how to shield literary, musical, and artistic works from copyright infringement.

In a country where intellectual property rights have often been overlooked, Gabriels’ counsel is timely and essential. Speaking candidly on the issue, he expressed concern about the prevalence of unauthorized sampling and adaptation of songs by Nigerian artists. This practice, he emphasized, constitutes copyright infringement and can tarnish the reputation of the industry.

“Even before the global rise of Afrobeats, many Nigerian artists were prone to adapting foreign songs for the local audience, creating their own versions. However, this does not absolve them of copyright infringement,” Gabriels noted.

The music industry has witnessed instances where established Nigerian acts faced accusations of borrowing content without proper acknowledgment or clearance, often at the expense of emerging talents. Gabriels believes that artists should prioritize obtaining permission from the original creators or their associated record labels before embarking on any form of sampling or reinterpretation.

“Our nation sometimes sees a culture of cutting corners due to various reasons. As a music creator, it’s your responsibility to take the necessary steps to shield your intellectual property,” Gabriels emphasized.

Highlighting a widespread lack of awareness among artists regarding copyright protection and its implications, Gabriels stressed the importance of conducting thorough research.

He underscored that creators must become knowledgeable about their rights, enabling them to harness their work to its fullest potential without fear of infringement.

“Understanding how copyright safeguards creative output from infringement is critical. It empowers music composers, songwriters, sound producers, and performers to leverage their works effectively and sustainably,” he added.

Gabriels is an accomplished talent manager, nightlife kingpin and entertainment personality.

Notably, he was honored with the prestigious Young Minds Impact Award (YMIA) in the ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ category.

This recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s nightlife and entertainment sector, and his unwavering commitment to catalyzing youth employment opportunities in the country.

The award serves as a testament to his dedication to creating exceptional social experiences while fostering positive change among young individuals.

Gabriels’ influence extends beyond talent management, as he is also the visionary founder and co-owner of Tokyo Nightlife, an exclusive nightclub domiciled in the heart of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

His multifaceted endeavors encapsulate his role as a driving force in Nigeria’s burgeoning entertainment landscape.

In a world where creativity reigns supreme, safeguarding intellectual property rights is not just a legal matter but a necessity for ensuring artists’ recognition and livelihood.

Gabriels’ clarion call to respect and protect copyright is a vital step towards a more robust and vibrant Nigerian music industry, where creators thrive, and their artistic contributions are duly celebrated.