Nigerian singer Harrysong has urged the government to implement stronger systems to protect artists’ work and combat widespread music piracy.
Speaking during a recent television appearance, Youth Forum, Harrysong stressed the importance of government intervention in the creative sector. The event is connected to President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office and covered pressing youth-related issues.
“The government must engage those who understand the business. If we can have that conversation and they are truly willing to address the issues, I believe we’ll make progress,” Harrysong said.
He explained that piracy limits musicians’ ability to reinvest earnings locally or host profitable concerts in Nigeria.
“We need a structure that locks this system so we know what goes in and what comes out. If we can protect the music, we can sell the tickets. But if the songs are pirated, we can’t recoup investments or plan shows confidently,” he stated.
Nigerian Musicians Look Abroad for Revenue
Harrysong noted that artists rely on revenue from international platforms like iTunes and Spotify, as piracy affects local earnings.
“Most of the time, musicians in Nigeria complain that our people don’t buy tickets. People outside the country stream and subscribe, but at home, people hack the sound,” he said.
He added that foreign digital systems ensure transparency, making it easier for artists to track their earnings.
Nigeria’s Afrobeats artists have gained global recognition, with stars like Asake and Wizkid selling out venues like London’s O2 Arena. However, many musicians now focus on international markets due to better copyright protections abroad.
To reverse this trend, the Lagos State Government announced plans to build a 12,000-capacity entertainment arena by December 2025.
The Youth Forum event also featured ministers discussing creative industry challenges, including Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Interior), Bosun Tijani (Communications), Ayodele Olawande (Youth Development), and John Enoh (Industry).
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