Chief Tony Okoroji says Thank you

10 YEARS OF THE COSON EXPERIENCE: THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO COSON

On this 20th day of May 2020, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the official take-off of the operations of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) which has become Nigeria’s must successful and most admired copyright collective management organization.

When we began our journey on May 20, 2010, very few people gave us any chance of success. We had been told, over and over again, that collective management of copyright would never work in Nigeria and that the Nigerian creative industry lacked the discipline to build the stable and complex institution required to make collective management a success. With very focused leadership and fired up by our slogan, “let the music pay!”, COSON has broken that tough jinx and has built an institution that works.

From Day 1, we have kept strictly to every rule in the book and complied with every law of our nation. For ten years, we never missed one Annual General Meeting and every year, we have had our AGM in the month of May, the month we celebrate our take-off. At each of our AGMs, we have invited a cross section of the media to follow and report our very open discussions and deliberations. Transparency has been our watchword and we had our meetings in the open because at COSON we have never had anything to hide. Indeed, apart from the statutorily prescribed Annual General Meeting, we also held an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting every December at which our members had an open opportunity to discuss every issue. The COSON Board had fixed a date for the 2020 COSON Annual General Meeting this May in the COSON tradition. Unfortunately, because of the COVID 19 restrictions, the AGM would have to be held on another date.
Without the prompting of anyone, the COSON accounts have been audited every single year by auditors appointed by our Annual General Meetings as required by the Companies & Allied Matters Act (CAMA). We have had the audited accounts reviewed and approved by our AGM as required by law and filed each annual return with the Corporate Affairs Commission and sent an activity report made up of hundreds of pages every year to the NCC. Without any question, COSON has been the most transparent and accountable organization in the history of the Nigerian creative industry.
When the COSON House was commissioned exactly three years ago, a lot of people were surprised that there was not one Naira of government money in the acquisition and construction of this magnificent building, no donor dollar or pound came from anywhere and that we acquired, built and equipped COSON House with no bank loan and no debt of any type. COSON has never received any money from the government.
For ten years, except for one month, the month of December 2018 when all the COSON bank accounts were mysteriously frozen without notice, not one of the highly trained staff of COSON has received his or her salary one day late. It is also a fact that no COSON member has ever paid any registration fee, monthly dues or subscription of any type to COSON yet every COSON member is entitled to some income from us every year.
In its ten years of operation, COSON has distributed hundreds of millions of Naira as royalties to its members and affiliates. In April 2020, even with the major bank accounts of COSON still frozen and the issues in court, COSON in a responsive and responsible manner reacted to the suffering of its thousands of members across the country under the pressure of the COVID 19 lockdown. The society became the first Nigerian institution to provide such palliatives to its members at a time of great need. At first, =N=50 million was approved by the COSON Board for this purpose. An additional =N=22.5 million was later approved. The distribution has been done in a very structured, professional and transparent manner which has been widely celebrated by members of COSON.
We are very proud of the success that COSON has achieved which is a product of the leadership’s laser focused dedication to defending the interest and welfare of our members and the deft management of our resources.
Unfortunately, the COSON outstanding success also became our albatross. As it has become clear that we have broken the jinx and built an organization which across the continent is being celebrated, several midnight plots and gang-ups began to emerge. All kind of plots have been hatched to hijack for a few people COSON which we have built as a pan-Nigerian organization to provide succor to all owners of musical works and sound recordings in every nook and cranny of the Nigerian nation. All kinds of false stories have been manufactured and spread to tarnish the image of our great organization. Fortunately, despite all the stones thrown at COSON, our organization continues to stand firm. Despite the many attempts to derail COSON, our organization continues to stand strong, proving the fact that the Nigerian creative industry finally has an institution with roots strong enough to withstand the rascality that has caused our industry great instability and destroyed creative industry institutions in our country.
This success is not just due to the leadership but also to the membership which has overwhelmingly shown unflinching support to COSON and those of our licensees and partners who have continued to pledge their faith in COSON.
As we commence a new stage of our journey, COSON has announced key changes in the management of the society with Ms. Bernice Eriemeghe, a well-trained and experienced professional accountant taking over as General Manager from Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji. This transition has been done in a very friendly manner with strong camaraderie and warmth, once again proving the maturity of the leadership available to COSON.
Going forward, the COSON Board has directed the management team to be laser focused on making COSON a first class international organization driven by data, digital technology, transparency and accountability with the clear objective being the happiness and well-being of our members and other stakeholders.
I have no doubt that once again we will deliver and make the members of COSON proud. We will also make all Nigerians who appreciate good things in our country happy.

My heartfelt thanks to all of you.

CHIEF TONY OKOROJI
Chairman, COSON
May 20, 2020

CRAVING FOR MORE OF YOU (MY ADDICTION)

Craving for you like the desert craves for water, longing for you like a monkey to a banana. A sight of you oils my lamp and keeps me burning. The more I come close the more I realize that I have to be closer than ever. Words can’t describe how I feel about you. Having you by my side all day long is never enough. Holding you next to me makes me want to see what you are made of. Deep calleth unto deep!!!! I'm still here,craving for more.

Deeper in you is always my next move. Searching through you every day because I can’t live without you, I want to touch you, I want to feel you, I want to know more of you JESUS you are all I want.

WHEN HE MET ME

It was all like a joke as I never wanted any man in my life and even if I do, not some one like him but the whole thing turned out differently, even much more than I ever thought.

I was on my own when he walked up to me and said, his dad is not a governor neither is he from a rich background but he'd love to help, he promise to give me money to sow seed in church (offering) every Sunday service. I looked at him with surprise because I never asked him anything and did not even know him or want anything from him.

He doesn't look like it, looking rough, not even my kind of man. He's dark, not tall. In fact he's just the opposite of all I want in a man.

I felt cold inside of me for the very first time but never understood what I have gotten myself into, so I said "huumm emm" well okay if its only what you've just said and not more than that. I realized what he meant weeks after.

As days went by the closeness grew. The more I tried to avoid him, the more I fall into him. I did all I could, instead I see myself running into him. So much happened then but he was always there even when I never knew or wanted him.

Every time I needed help, he was always there and the most surprising part of it all is that I never asked him for any help, never told him about any thing. How he gets to know even till this moment I still can't figure it. Its scares me every time I see him around me. He is just like an angel sent to me.

He shows up when I need him the most. I've never seen or been with a man like that, who knows and sees your pains and understands your cry even when you don't talk. Knows when to show up and that makes him appear to me like the perfect man.

I refuse to feel anything for him because I know all my walls and defences are broken even before he opens his mouth to ask which he never did because I never gave him the chance to. Always there with me and for me.

one day as he walked me home for church, I reminded him that he is doing too much and the he is just a friend. He got so upset with his response. I felt the pain in his tone. then I realized I have awaken something strong inside of him and now I can't control it, because I'm also awake and waiting for his first move.

Finally, it happened. I couldn't wait for him to finish what he was saying before I cut in but did not say yes because I became scared and worried about breaking the promises I made to myself and my commitment to other things. But he was just so persistent, bold, strong brave, intelligent, with lovely smile, above all, kind, caring, loving, patient and very understanding with lots of passion...…….

Woke up few days ago and realized that it is our 5 years anniversary……..to be continued

ALEXA: WHAT IS LOVE

What is love, when all it brings is pain and hurt? I ask myself, hoping to get an answer. My heart is hurt and broken, no peace inside of me, then tell me how do I get the answer to all the questions running through my mind? Looking for tears but the sea never dries. I've cried out my eyes, wondering where all this is coming from. What have I done wrong.....where have I gone wrong? can anyone wake me from this dream, I still cant believe my eyes.

We never had any issue for a long time now and it was all going well in my relationship till the day I told him about how he spends his money, my money, our money. Yes its ours even though he worked for it. Thought love is what belongs to the man belongs to his wife. I was only concern about nit all because I know someday it will affect me as a woman in his life.

All I said was Shimori, how come you have spent so much in the last few days and you are broke..... He is my best friend, love and play mate so I could ask him anything as long as I care about him and about us. Rather it became a raging storm. He got very upset and walked out of the house. Shimori please don't go, don't walk out of me I begged him but he wouldn't listen. I had to let him go. He's very pissed.

He got back very late as usual and said nothing to me, as a woman that made me even worse and angrier but I had to keep cool. I asked him how his day went but he said nothing. I asked him for the second time, what's wrong? He said, nothing that he is fine. Ok, I get that. I kept mute and watch him do his thing. But as a woman, I'm not happy with all that is happening and his new attitude and was also thinking if he's still angry as he did not even call me the whole day. I laid on the bed with my nighties but still worried and unsure of what is going on with him. He finished up and turned of the light, laid on the bed beside me and said good night. This time he did not touch me, he did not hold me as he use to, he did not even use the same blanket as we've always done every night. This night is really different. I became very grieved and pained in my heart, held the tears and pain so I don't react and mess things up. Before anything he was already asleep and even snoring. God damn.....so annoying and irritating. I said my prayers and slept and tried not to bother myself.

I thought within myself, is he seeing another woman, is he listening to gossips, is he trying to test my patient, or did I really hurt him with what I said before he left for work? All these questions and more were running through my mind. Unlike him, wakes up and call me to pray with him before any other thing, but this time was different. He got up and walked straight to the bathroom, without a word and knowing that I'm awake. I got more worried and pissed which turned to anger and pain inside of me.

Shimori, I called him. He did not answer then I walked up to him and asked.... What is going on? Last Saturday we talked about this and I thought it was resolved, why are you still angry about the money issue? Does that mean I should never ask you about how you spend your money, what you sue it for or even how you get it? If that's what you want, then its fine by me. I promise no more questions about your income and what you use it for so we can live in peace but I must tell you, it can never be cool if I don't know and it will be very unfair of me if I don't ask. But if that's what you want then it fine by me. It really hurts to be in a relationship where you don't have any say...all you do is yes sir, no sir just like a robot. I am not ready for that kind of a man. Without saying anything more, I walked out of him, and the unexpected happened...........

GEM & COSON PARTNER ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

GEM & COSON PARTNER ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AS NEW TOOL KIT IS DOMICLED AT COSON HOUSE

In a bid to properly educate and enlighten the Nigerian populace and the entertainment industry in particular, the Growth and Empowerment Project (GEM), funded by the World Bank and domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has just entered into a new partnership with Copyright Society of Nigeria, (COSON), Nigeria’s wave making collective management organization. In the partnership, GEM has domiciled at COSON House, a just developed tool kit for education in intellectual property with emphasis on copyright, aimed at ensuring a well-rounded, global understanding of the subject in Nigeria.

At a meeting held at the boardroom of COSON House, Ikeja, on Thursday August 9, 2018 during which the partnership was concluded, Mr. Bello Abba Yakasai, Cluster Manager, GEM Project, said that the initiative was borne out of the need to engender a culture of respect for intellectual property rights amongst practitioners in the industry and users of intellectual property in the country. This, he said appeared to have been difficult in the past, owing to the ambiguous nature of the subject.
Yakasai said “What we aim to achieve with this tool kit is to simplify the grey areas with respect to Intellectual Property so as to make it understandable by everyone. The IP manual, we are certain, will bring about a reorientation amongst everyone; be it the owners of the intellectual property or the end users”
The tool kit developed under the GEM project by Mr. John Asein, an internationally respected expert on copyright and a former Director of the Nigerian Copyright Institute will be formerly presented to the intellectual property community at a special event, “Let’s Talk Copyright” (LTC) which will hold at the COSON House Arena on September 1, 2018. Let’s Talk Copyright will be the climax of the 2018 No Music Day celebration.
As has been the practice over the last eight years, different representatives of COSON, in a Media Blitz, will simultaneously be at key broadcast stations across the country on September 1, the annual No Music Day, to discuss with Nigerians the intriguing subject of intellectual property which is shaping the new global economy.
After the Media Blitz, various artistes, performers, movie makers, broadcasters, legal practitioners and the media are expected to descend on COSON House for “Let’s Talk Copyright” (LTC) where the new Tool Kit will be unveiled by the creator, Mr. John Asein supported by officials of GEM and the World Bank.

According to Mr. Yakasai, the decision to partner with COSON on the project is in recognition of the unassailable impact that COSON has made across the continent with respect to intellectual property. In the words of Mr. Yakasai , “COSON, more than any other institution in Nigeria, has shown that it has the capacity to manage such an important resource and to put it to good use for the larger society”
Responding to Mr. Yakasai, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji thanked the GEM team for their continued confidence in COSON. He said that with COSON as custodian of the IP tool kit, GEM and its partner agencies can rest assured that the tools will be properly deployed and that the message will get to every stakeholder in the industry
In attendance at the meeting were the COSON General Manager, Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Chibueze Moses Okereke and COSON Head of Legal, Ms. Simi Wash-Pam.
Also present at the meeting was the creator of the tool kit, Mr. John Assien, who is also Executive Secretary of Reprographic Rights Organization of Nigeria (REPRONIG) and other members of the GEM Project team which included Mr Ndubuisi Kanu, Assistant Cluster Manager and Mr. Johnson T. Akeredolu GEM Project Officer, Tourism and Hospitality.

Photo Caption: COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, 4th left, surrounded by Mr. Bello Abba Yakasai , Cluster Manager, GEM Project, 4th right, Mr. John Assien, Chairman REPRONIG, immediate left, Mr Ndubusi Kanu, Asst. Cluster Manager, GEM Project, 2nd right and Mr. Chinedu Chukwuji, GM/CEO COSON,right.
L-R - Mr. Chibueze Moses Okereke, Head Public Affairs, COSON, Mr. Johnson T. Akeredolu, Project Officer, Tourism and Hospitality GEM Project and Ms. Simi Wash-Pam, COSON Legal Counsel.

ALEXA: IDEAS FROM MY INSPIRATORS.

After trying all I could by myself and unable to get anywhere. I decided to seek for advise, which is the only and best option unless I want to see my ancestors before time. So I reached out to my mentors and my great source of inspiration.....you will not believe all I got from them. Here's what I took from them.

The first person that responded to my call is Maxwell Ivey Jr. who is a writer, blogger, an influencer and a podcaster. He is one of my greatest source of inspiration. He said to me that he think things would be easier on me and the rest of us if we didn’t have some people out there appearing to do it all and making it look easy. That I should be kind to myself and do what I want most or what I need most first. I am a special person. He have heard my music, so I shouldn't doubt it. What would I love to change about my job that would make it more enjoyable in the short term? Perhaps I and my supervisor or employer could talk about this. Though not every boss is willing to change or amend their policies but some are. Until I get there, I  should know that he will always be there for me. That only gave me the courage to face one of my biggest fear, which is doubt.

While I was trying to redefine my path, here comes another woman I admire so much and here's her advise.....
Her name is Renee Radicioni Pavlus   she said there are lot of people going through the same thing out there. That my story is like sounds like a lot of people’s story. She continued, the problem is, we think of all these things in our brain and minds, some of us look at the positive outcomes, and some of us look at their possibilities. I myself have spun around many times with 20 fingers in 20 pies, accomplishing very little, regretting, getting frustrated, and wondering why why why?
Well, recently I’ve had to learn that I needed to focus my point down, maybe taking on two challenges instead of 20. Maybe working out a plan, or maybe finding people to help me make this plan happen. No they might not be great things, but perhaps even little things are is important. It’s kind of like building our arsenal of talents, gifts, skills. It’s so easy to dream, Hope, plan ahead, but if we don’t define our Voice, purpose, or understand our reality good and bad, nothing will happen, absolutely nothing. I am a testimony to this, you know, having a spirit of willingness, having capabilities, or knowing that to accomplish certain things we need the help of others is part of our learning and growing experience.
So I am simplifying, I mean in the way and the tasks that I will take on and I’m also allowing myself to try to be a little more patient, or allowing for pitfalls, or in possibilities which often happens when you don’t see or when you need help learning new skills, or when you need help just progressing. Don’t be ashamed of asking for help, but choose the people you ask help from very wisely. Many people mean well, but when it comes down to actually achieving, accomplishing, and doing that either back off, try to help with some confusion, or get at flustered as we may be.
So, having said all this, baby steps, organized baby steps, looking and examining how you can achieve these baby steps, and looking at the barriers towards achieving them Chyna, working through each barrier one at a time. We feel so much better when we have achieved something, we feel so much better when we allow ourselves to ask for help in the kindest way possible, but do it in a realistic honest way, and don’t make your expectations too high, because that can also sabotage your progress, I know this, first hand.

I couldn't help it but pick my broken pieces, put it all together and solve the puzzle the world have created for me. I realized that I have to take it one stop at a time and to ask for help from the right people, not acting like I know it all.

Yes I remember, of all the multiple choices in my head and things to do, DeAnna Lynn Rice asked me to pick one, the ones that speaks most, and you go with it. and Evelyn Faix   said she is like that too but I have to start with one first and she suggested that the music lessons can be taken from an online website called musicvi.com. It’s music for the busily impaired I can buy the courses and they are very good I can also get them from the MLS Talking Books location for free computer classes you should go to Lighthouse.

Lastly Edwin Polini said I should only keep my eyes on JesusChrist who is the author and finisher of our faith.

From all these, I come to a conclusion that for one to stop existing and start live he or she needs to

• DECIDE
• CHOOSE
• ACT
• ASK
• FOCUS
• BELIEVE
• HAVE FAITH

The you'll find your way to success as you have a direction now

Thanks for the help......

ALEXA: WHAT DO YOU WANT

Hey, life is never the way we expects it to be.... Never had it funny, even though things fell apart or never goes my way, I still have to push through.

My name is Alexa and here is a little about my new life

My growing up was hell, but there is a God who sees me through at all time, no matter how hard it comes, I've always had a way out. But right now I'm so full of hate and resentment. Everything is coming so soon.

You don't have to be in a rush. Why rushing for what you'll live with for the rest of your life? Why working my body to the passion of your body. I'm changing, my body is growing older, stronger and vulnerable. I'm getting weak, feeling too much passion burning inside of me, thanks to your help.

I shake to ask you in, I'm scared to allow your touch. Why cant you see this through my eyes or feel it in your mind? Why are you letting go of your first promise? why is your body always hot when it comes around mine. Do you really think you love me? You do things this days that scares the peace out of my soul.

I wanna run away and never come back because you've broken my walls, taken my strength, destroyed my belief, shattered my hopes and have made me someone I wasn't ready to be now....If only I saw it coming this soon, even when I sensed the signs, I still never believed it.

Help! Help!! Help!!! is all I'm crying for now. We need help. From just a hug to cuddling, now we kiss so passionately that it scares me to even touch you further, in short no part of me is hidden anymore, all that remains now is for you to get me naked and put your damn whatever down here.

You cant help it anymore, your passion have grown out of control and I see it coming in no time you because you've worked my body t your rhythm, to the fire burning inside of you.

Logan, I'm talking to you. We need help. No more talking, you are too free, like its your right, like whatever happens, you don't care. Give me space you said no, give me time you're still saying no. I really need to put myself back. you finally wants to take the only thing I have left. Can that be love? Is that what you call love? I'm asking you Logan.

I have no education, no certificate, no handwork, no trade learnt, no money, no home, no friends, no close family or relatives. Thought I called you my friend.
My family said I was coming back to you just to get pregnant and you making my biggest fear to appear real. Is that what you want for us, you said no. Then, why can you just let go of me since the passion and the sex thing is getting too much

What is the big deal in letting go.  Why telling someone you love them when all you do is put them in pains.

you know I have so much killing me already. Sometimes I allow you to do that just to see if that will help take some of the pains and heart aches away, but each time we do that..,...they even get worse.

you promised not to come between me and my first love, but here you are doing the opposite and still having to courage to enter his presence with our smelling body, huummm.... What do you really want? I'm asking again. Do you want my down fall or my rising? You are killing me spiritually. Please help me and not use me.

I've told you before, go out there, you have my permission. Go and do whatever you want just to please your flesh, staying for ages wont help either of us. I've given you the hurtful freedom to do that. If you really want to get married to me, then you don't have to take away the only precious treasure I have left. You cant eat your cake and have it....never.

Please respect the space I asked for and I promise all will be well with us. I don't see us coming out of this well. please I beg you.

This is exactly the reason I broke up with my ex....every guy wants the same thing and its really killing me.......

Please help me so I can help you too.....................

WORSHIP EVENING 1 EP II

Worship Evening Season 1 Episode II

INTENTIONAL WORSHIP

(RMN 12:1-2)

Intentional worship is the second worship program (episode II) in the year 2018 from Walkers Family, to bring you the best of worship feelings, in a more enjoyable way. A time to worship God from the depth of your heart intentionally, knowing what you're doing and why you're doing it. Rmn 12:1-2 & Jhn 4:20-24

Last Episode (3/04/2018) was super awesome as many turned out to worship God in a dynamic way. BEYOND WORSHP is really a day to remember.

It was with a vision to bringing people together, not just to worship and praise God but to understand the essence of being a worshipper and why we should always worship God. To teach people what true worship is and leading them to Christ. It also had the mission of preaching the good news of Christ (salvation), deliverance, healing, peace, joy, hope and above all love to humanity. Reaching out to the less privilege, helping them develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically.

To help bridge the gap between the high and the low......creating more morals for the child of today.

It is part of our vision to help the needy, widows, orphans and those with special abilities.

This new episode is really going to be an awesome intense worship, as there will be a lot of side attractions like, dancing, drama, and INTENTIONAL worship songs from the heart to the creator. You are all invited as it is really going to be an intentional act for God to blessing his people.

DATE:    19/08/2018
TIME:    4:00pm-7:00pm(WAT)/3:00pm-6:00pm(GMT)
VENUE: RCCG Tabernacle Of Power Parish,
                2 Story B/S Baruwa Inside, Ipaja, Lagos.

Music by:

Pst. Justus Olufelis (the son of glory). Singer, composer/song-writer, pastor, father and a mentor. A man driven with so much power and vision. He is the head pastor of Glorified Peoples Assembly, a church with passion for Christ. He's also a drummer, a worshipper, a praise marshal and had his album lunched last year (TESTIMONY). Have you listened to any of his songs, if no then you really have to get his latest album.

Jeru El (City Of God) An Awe-some singer and song writer with a very strong passion like ours. She is a native of Akure, Oloyemekun, Olomimeji Apejeji lala...born in d 80's, fun and loving. A strong believer, who is in the business of touching lives with her music.

Tosin Israel is a multi talented instrumentalist, who worships and leads you into worship, even without singing. He is a powerful music minister who is always a blessing to all who listens to him sing. Was one of our guest ministers at the last Worship Evening 1 Ep I ( BEYOND WORSHIP) and was a huge blessing to all that were present, with his spirit-filled ministration.

Seun Afolabi, is a worshiper, a drummer, a guitarist, and a keyboardist. He just released a new single, titled IWO NIKAN(ONLY YOU)

Timi Sax, is a saxophonist, a keyboardist and a music director at |RCCG Heaven Of Wisdom Arena. He is a teacher to the core.

Walkers Family, host of the Worship Evening program. A group of young talented music ministers, based in Lagos Nigeria. They came together because of their love for music and passion for the kingdom of God. They specialize in enriching your soul with their spirit filled Pop, Jazz and Hi-Life worship & praise. They also do reggae and hip-hop.
Having the mission to set people free from all forms of operations of life, through music and with a vision to create a peaceful and loving family, irrespective of the tribe, race or denomination in Christ.



Have you also met our partners? They are really awesome and good at what they do. They are simple the best.

 Maxwel Ivey Jr. the blind blogger,

                                                                    Venisa April Radio and TV host of the Xpoze Radio Show

Katherine Winston a talk radio talk show host (Jamaica Funk Radio show)

RCCG Tabernacle Of Power, this is the main venue for the event....a place where God turn the impossible to possible,(solution arena)

Edwin Polini, The Home Made Cash Machine

Map Walker, singer/song writer, talent/artist manager

Praize Wash Hold the best liquid washing soap you can ever get at an affordable price.

TONY OKOROJI BLOWS HOT WITH “ORIAKU (NEW SCHOOL)

TONY OKOROJI BLOWS HOT WITH “ORIAKU (NEW SCHOOL)” SET TO DOMINATE THE AIR WAVES

Music icon, Tony Okoroji’s new recording, ‘Oriaku (New School)’ is finally set for national and international release on radio, TV and across several digital media platforms.
For some time, a big buzz has been on at TOPS, the 360 Degrees entertainment company run by Chief Tony Okoroji, as finishing touches on the recording, video shoot and presentation of the new release of Oriaku are completed.
TOPS is authoritatively announcing that everything is set and the fans of the unique sound of the music maestro should be ready to be titillated by what is in every way a special sound.
The sweet song ‘Oriaku’ with the thumping bass guitar line, was a key song in Tony Okoroji’s iconic album, “Juliana”, which used to burn up the dance floor across the country.

According to the unassailable music icon, the celebrated former President of PMAN who is currently Chairman of the Board of the wave-making Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), “We have re-oxygenated Oriaku. It has a new groove. You need to listen to this beautiful song to appreciate what I am talking about. This is not a re-mix but a completely brand-new recording with new orchestration. Working with TOPS All Stars,

my young team of very talented creative artistes, we have kept the essential elements of the great song and brought in a fresh new feel to give what we call ‘Oriaku (New School)’ a new groove. I believe that lovers of good music, young and old, will rock to this new sound. The video is also very-very electrifying”.

The video shoot of Oriaku New School had the photography directed by the prince of video animation, Ademola Tajudeen popularly called ‘Awoko’. According to Awoko, “we have spared nothing in creating a music video that will stand the test of time wherever in the world it is seen. There is a lot of colours, exceedingly beautiful women and a lot of dance, both traditional and contemporary. If you know Chief Tony Okoroji, then you know that I have worked with a man who does not accept mediocrity. Tony Okoroji only goes for the very best”
The release of ‘Oriaku New School’ follows the release by TOPS in 2017 of Tony Okoroji’s ‘Happy Music’ which has become a major caller ring back tone favorite across many platforms.



Peter Map Walker for TOPS LTD

IT'S A DOUBLE FOR CHIEF TONY OKOROJI

Yesterday, Monday June 25, 2018 the ultra-modern COSON Arena located within the magnificent COSON HOUSE was on filled to the brim as friends, family and well-wishers gathered to celebrate COSON President/Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji who was on the day honoured with an international award from THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND POLITICS, GHANA WITH THE PRETISGIOUS LIFE TIME SENIOR FELLOWSHIP RECOGNITION for his enviable and impressive track record as a legendary and greatly accomplished public service personality and resourceful statesman who continues to make tremendous contributions towards National Development for the progress, peace and unity of One Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Dr Richards Ikpada – Kpoku, Executive Director of the Institute, said ‘‘We are here on this auspicious state visit on behalf of the Advisory Board and Governing Council to confer and honor one of Nigeria’s transformational leaders, a first class corporate technocrat of international repute and a most patriotic Nation builder, Chief Tony Okoroji with a prestigious Lifetime Senior Fellowship Recognition Award following his impressive and enviable track record as a legendary, greatly accomplished public service personality and resourceful statesman who has made tremendous contributions towards national development for the progress, peace and unity of One Nigeria and the African continent.
‘‘The Chartered Institute of Public Resources, Management and Politics of the Peoples Republic of Ghana having carried out five years intensive research on Chief Okoroji’s personality is indeed very proud of his uprightness, unassailable statesmanship, pedigree, vast managerial acumen and sterling initiatives on intellectual property which has revolutionized COSON to meet up with global etiquettes and standards.’’

Receiving the award, the COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji expressed his gratitude to everyone present at the arena and to the fellows of the institute for such an honour stating that he was truly humbled to be honoured with such a prestigious award.
Chief Tony Okoroji was then inducted into the institute’s 2018 Fellowship Hall of Fame.
It will be recalled that in May, 2018, Chief Okoroji was honoured by Lagos State University (LASU) with a special award presented to Okoroji by LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun.
In February, Chief Tony Okoroji who last year was presented by Nigeria’s City People magazine with the “Pillar of Entertainment in Nigeria” award was bestowed with the prestigious “Africa’s Patriotic Personality Award”, by the League of African Development Students (LEADS Africa) – an umbrella body of democratic Students Unions from different countries in Africa.
He was also earlier in the year honoured by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
In April, 2018, the COSON Chairman bagged an Award of Excellence for his outstanding leadership in the Entertainment Industry from the Edo State Chapter of the Performing Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) which award was presented by the state PMAN Chairman, Comrade Willy Eghe Nova.
Chief Tony Okoroji is one man that is highly respected for his love, care, support, hard work, transparency, dedication, commitment, patriotism and intelligence both in Nigeria and beyond. That is one of the reason he is always recognised anywhere he goes or his name is mentioned. He has done so much and still doing more for the Nigerian Music Industry

Almost from every direction, Chief Tony Okoroji’s unassailable contributions and achievements of several years of unbroken service to national and international development is receiving great accolades.
With his experience, expertise and passion for growth in music and intellectual property right, he has helped music artists in Nigeria to understand their rights, fight for what is theirs and become more creative by creating an access to gain or be paid from their work.

One of the reason why COSON still stands is as a result of his understanding of human and intellectual property right, his strength to stand the test of time, and always driving with a full thank of faith.

He is a loving father, a great teacher, a wonderful leader, and an awesome mentor.

No one works with him without improving, learning more or growing. He is fearless and hates dishonesty.

His ideas and knowledge in the creative and entertainment industry have been extended to other parts of the world of which Ghana is an example.

 

Peter Map Walker for TOPS

Worship Evening

Worship Evening is a gospel musical concert that brings people of different denominations together to worship GOD whole heartedly. It is a direct revelation from the Holy Spirit, which will be coming up quarterly (4 times in a year).

Its vision is to bringing people together to understand the essence of worship, being a worshipper, why we should always worship God, to teach people what true worship is and leading them to Christ.

It also have the mission of preaching the good news of Christ (salvation), deliverance, healing, peace, joy, hope and above all love to humanity. Reaching out to the less privilege, helping them develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically.

To help bridge the gap between the high and the low......creating more morals for the child of today.
"part of our vision to help the needy, widows, orphans and those with special abilities"

It promises to be an evening of spirit filled worship as the young talented ministers and other groups/bands have worked on themselves, physically and spiritually, to lift your soul high and enrich your spirit.

It will be an encounter to remember.

UPDATE ON RAS KIMONO

COSON FLOODED WITH CONDOLENCE MESSAGES ON RAS KIMONO

Its been 3 days since the passing on of the great reggae iconic legend Ras Kimono, many have not been able to get over the shock and pain. Eever since that day COSON House, the headquarters of Copyright Society of Nigeria in Ikeja has been flooded with condolence messages from family, friends, fans and all lovers of quality music. There have been so many entries in the condolence register opened at COSON House, with flags flying at half-mast.

Amongst the many recent messages received by COSON is that of the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama who described his death as ‘A very sad loss for the country’.
It will be recalled that Kimono was in the delegation of the COSON Board which was in Abuja in January to confer Mr Onyeama with the Copyright Medal of Honour, which he showed great appreciation for.
Ras Kimono during his lifetime was an unwavering member of COSON and a dedicated activist with respect to the independence and survival of the Nigerian musician.
COSON has said that Kimono will be buried like the big star that he was and that his legacy will not be allowed to die

A quick throwback: Ras Kimono
On May 10, 2018, a day after Ras Kimono's 60th birthday, thousands of COSON members from around the country gathered at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos for the Annual General Meeting.
During the AGM, the icon Ras Kimono was celebrated and a cake cut to celebrate the reggae toaster at 60.
The news of his sudden demise on June 10, 2018 exactly a month after hit us hard. We really haven't come to terms with it yet.
COSON has promised that Ras Kimono will be buried like a big star that he was... His legacy will forever live on.
We encourage all COSON members to keep praying for the family...
May God's strength continually be upon them.

Map Walker

MEET THE JUNE 12 GIRL

KASI, THE JUNE 12 GIRL, THANKS BUHARI FOR DECLARING HER BIRTHDAY A NATIONAL HOLIDAY

As Nigerians stayed on the line in the sun and in the rain on ...that historic day, June 12, 1993, to vote for Moshood Abiola to become President of Africa’s most populous nation, in what is still regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections ever, a child of destiny was born.
That child of destiny has grown up with unmatched talent, never-say-die spirit and incomparable determination to conquer the world. Her name is KASI "the June 12 girl"

Recently, the introduction of Nigerians to the world of KASI, the enchanting multi-talented June 12 girl began. There is no question that pretty soon, everyone will be very familiar with the very talented young lady who writes songs like no other, sings like no other, dances like no other, draws like no other and who has created the fascinating fashion line called ‘Real KASI’.

Speaking about her historic birthday, the power bike riding KASI says “I do not believe that my birth is an accident. June 12 1993 will remain a remarkable day in Nigerian history. That was the day Nigerians tasted unity. On June 12, the late Moshood Abiola, a Yoruba Muslim found favour across Nigeria from people of all tribes and people of all religions who threw tribe and religion into the dustbin and voted for him. Nigerians were united in support of Abiola. In the same way, I pray to find favour from Nigerians from the East, the West, the North and everywhere. As a child of June 12, I want to use my music, my fashion and art to bring unity to my country.
“Abiola was a world-wide phenomenon, both in business and politics. I am determined to be a world-wide phenomenon in the creative industry where I belong. That is why I work so hard to be on top of my game. I am conscious of the circumstances of my birth. I am determined to be the best that anyone in my industry can be and I promise not to let Nigerians down.

“I am aware that the June 12 1993 elections were annulled. The memories have however refused to go away. Every year, people across the country continue to celebrate June 12, my birthday. Finally, the President has declared my birthday a national holiday to be celebrated across the nation. I am so elated and grateful. Thank you, Mr. President. By His grace, my march to the top of global entertainment will not be annulled because I fly the flag of history. I am a Christian but my music, fashion and art will touch the hearts of Muslims and people of other religions. My parents come from the South East of Nigeria while I grew up in the South West. I sing in English, Igbo and Yoruba. I am trying to learn Hausa and other Nigerian languages. I want to touch people wherever they are. Quote me. People everywhere will rock to the music of KASI and hang my artworks in precious places and wear Real KASI like no other fashion line. I know for sure that my June 12 birthday is not an accident. It is a mark of destiny”.

Hope your special day brings you all your heart desires

Wishing you another year of great opportunities, achievements and personal growth.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,

from all of us @ TOPS

Just in case you don't know, the June 12 girl have released two singles “LOVINJAITIS”  her thumping dance song guaranteed to get everyone gyrating on the dance floor for months and “IFUNANYA”  a touching love song which will show the wide range of the talent of this young lady who is sure to be one of Nigeria’s most wanted performers in the years to come.

To download/listen to any of her songs, just click on the song title and it will take you to the page.

Map Walker