The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN) has appointed music legend Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade, as its Honourary President. The announcement aligns with the rollout of MCSN’s Gocreate app, a pioneering tool for monitoring and reporting music usage across digital, online, and offline platforms in Nigeria.
Recognition for Past Leadership
King Sunny Ade, often called the “King of World Beat,” previously served as MCSN’s Board Chairman during a challenging period when the organization fought for recognition as a Collective Management Organisation (CMO). He led delegations to engage ministers and government officials, advocating for MCSN’s licensing, and spearheaded successful legal battles, including cases reaching the Supreme Court, to defend musicians’ rights. His appointment reflects gratitude for these contributions.
Ambassadorial Role
As Honourary President, King Sunny Ade will act as MCSN’s Ambassador Plenipotentiary, leveraging his global network and experience to open new opportunities for the society. His influence, built over decades as a juju music icon with hits like Merciful God and Samba, is expected to advance MCSN’s mission to protect and promote Nigerian artists’ rights.
Gocreate App: A Game-Changer
Launched in Q3 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic’s first wave, the Gocreate app is Africa’s first digital tool designed to track music usage, ensuring accurate royalty distribution. Having undergone successful test runs, the app is now live, enabling MCSN members—artists, record labels, producers, writers, composers, and publishers—to monitor their music and receive royalties more frequently and transparently. Available on Google Play Store, App Store, and www.gocreateafrica.app, the app aims to eliminate outdated, perception-based royalty systems.
Industry Impact
MCSN’s CEO, Mayo Ayilaran, hailed the app as a transformative step for Nigeria’s music industry, valued at over $2 billion in 2020. “The potential of MCSN is gradually being revealed,” he said, predicting the restoration of the industry’s “locust years.” The app’s deployment is expected to enhance royalty collection, benefiting Nigeria’s 2.6 million creative sector workers, many of whom faced income losses during the pandemic.
Upcoming Inauguration
King Sunny Ade’s formal inauguration as Honourary President will occur on a date to be announced, marking a new chapter for MCSN’s advocacy in Nigeria’s vibrant music industry.
