AML Goes On Vacation- First Comprehensive & Authoritative ‘Nigerian Music Industry & the Law’ BOOK in Progress

I set out to author the Africa Music Law blog a little over year ago. During that time, I mentioned I was uncertain where that journey will lead but was open to it. The journey has led, at its preliminary stage, to authoring what I hope is the first comprehensive and authoritative music law book focused on Nigeria’s music industry.

It is absolutely unacceptable that the industry lacks an authoritative easy to read and understand music law book. It’s actually crazy. I believe there is one book by COSON’s founder but I am yet to see or read it, and do not believe it covers, much less encompasses, digital distribution of music in the Nigerian context, among other important aspects of the industry, since they have all occurred post the writing of his book. Either way, one book for a country as big as Nigeria is not going to cut it.

That is where my book comes in to reach as many as possible that may not have internet access or have not heard of AML. The average person that picks up the book who can speak Primary 5 English, should be able to understand the content of my book, otherwise, “na wash.” 🙂

The cases I discuss on AML, the emails and phone calls I receive, show me there is a need for a timeless/classic book that is written in simple English for Nigeria’s music industry and industry professionals. The book is primarily targeted at Nigerian artists in Nigeria, but there is enough information for practically every other music professional (managers, publicists, promoters, producers, journalists etc.), music investors, distributors, friends of Nigeria’s music industry and friends of Africa’s music industry to benefit from.

The book captures the historical foundation of some of the genres of music we now see in Nigeria, provides an overview of the music industry value chain, gets into business formations, discusses intellectual property laws and segues into other areas that artists should know including dabbling in the fashion and film industries, especially as to streams of income and marketing/promotions. Everything is done with a USA/Nigeria comparative analysis take; since many Nigerian artists seek to do and are doing business in America, whether in person or via the internet.

I have already begun the work but I am at a point where I need to treat this as if I was taking the bar exam and shut out any and all external influences that require my brain power, with the exception of my work as an attorney, needless to say. 🙂

Accordingly, I’m taking a break from AML. I plan to return in the second week of December 2012. Notwithstanding my desired return date, if the first draft is not done, I am not showing up. It is just that simple. This book, first draft, must be completed this 2012.

I plan to keep abreast of all music law and industry news and for the ones that interest me, I will share the links on AML facebook page. If you are not subscribed already, do so. You can also follow me on Twitter – @uduaklaw.

For media, event organizers or persons trying to contact me for speaking engagements, features etc. please email me at (africamusiclaw@gmail.com).

Finally, do catch me at the Wharton School of Business on November 17th, 2012 where I will be speaking on media and entertainment  specific to Africa and with a focus on Nigeria. 

Thank you all for reading, sharing, commenting etc.

I’ll catch you all in December, God willing.

Cheers,
Uduak
@uduaklaw