Emerging Afrobeats artist, Adetola Akinkoju, known as TB2, has emphasised the importance of fostering greater awareness around intellectual property rights within the Nigerian music industry.
He advocates for educating artists about publishing rights and the critical need for them to maintain control over their creations.
TB2 believes that for Afrobeats to maintain its impressive global momentum, it is essential to empower Nigerian creatives to negotiate fair contracts and retain ownership of their contributions.
He highlights that while the pursuit of international hits can influence artistic decisions, protecting artists and ensuring they receive fair financial rewards is paramount.
The talented singer from Ondo State, who began his musical journey in 2005, shared his aspirations for his upcoming EP set to be released in 2026, alongside the rollout of his new single, Lifestyle. This single is generating interest, with its official video scheduled for release on April 3, 2026.
Celebrating the global rise of Afrobeats, TB2 acknowledges that Nigerian artists have played a central role in this success. He points out, however, that while their music enjoys worldwide recognition, fair compensation and acknowledgement are not always guaranteed. Many artists continue to face structural challenges regarding revenue and ownership rights.
He maintained that the growth of the genre has opened new opportunities, such as international collaborations and digital revenue streams. Yet, he remains concerned about the unequal negotiating power between local and foreign labels, which often is financially detrimental to local artists.
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