Reactions have continued to trail the decision by the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, to ban popular comedian Ekwubiri GSN Godson from using music in his shows following his statement that comedy is the only viable entertainment sector in the state.
Social commentator Olumati Isaiah criticized the ban, saying, “Let’s establish the facts, PMAN does not represent the interest of ALL musical artists. They represent the interest of PMAN REGISTERED ARTISTS. It is also noteworthy that PMAN’s jurisdiction is only limited to Nigeria.”
He added that the association’s authority is restricted, noting, “It will be full hardy for PMAN as an organization or through her representatives to say that an individual or organisation will not or should not use music as a part of their activities. At best, they can say that an organization or a private individual cannot use music of THEIR MEMBERS. It is even more interesting that it will be coming from PMAN RIVER STATE/Port Harcourt, so this restricts them to Rivers State as they do not speak for the National.”
Olumati also questioned the legal basis of PMAN’s directive, saying, “When I heard someone suggest that Ekwubiri GSN Godson should or cannot use music for his event except certain conditions are met, I smiled. People don’t know when they cross their legal boundaries…Let us just keep our legal team on standby. I will like to see how this ends.”
Other entertainers also reacted to the ban. Comedian Akpan Okon expressed disbelief, asking, “What did they actually say Ekwubiri GSN Godson should not do in his show please??? Wow, what a ‘FALSE NARRATIVE’. Well sha, there are ‘TOO MANY QUESTIONS’ to ask.”
Digital marketing expert Dan Kalu praised the comedian, stating, “Ekwubiri GSN Godson don help PMAN resurrect their careers. Commendable.”
Comedian Chris Bee jokingly threatened, “Ekwubiri GSN Godson you no go like make I sing for you. All the ladies for my band na PWOMAN.”
Dance expert Sholadance also commented on PMAN’s actions, saying, “Only one comedian attend Podcast BOOM the leadership of Ph PMAN rush go Podcast. I wonder what Ph PMAN would do if three comedians were involved.”
The controversy has sparked debate over PMAN’s authority and the rights of entertainers in the state, with many questioning the legality of restricting the use of music in independent shows.
