The PurpleBlue Academy of Music Business (PAMB) marked a significant milestone yesterday, August 23, 2024, by hosting the graduation ceremony for its first cohort at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference and Exhibition Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. This inaugural event is not just a key achievement but a significant step in the Academy’s ongoing mission to shape the future of the music industry by equipping future professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving creative sector.
The ceremony drew attendance from prominent figures in the creative and intellectual property industries, including the Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asein; Professor Bankole Sodipo, SAN, Professor of Law at Babcock University and Principal Partner of G. O. Sodipo & Co.; Professor Adejoke Oyewunmi, Professor of Law at the University of Lagos and a leading authority on Intellectual Property; Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, veteran filmmaker and Chairman of the Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS); DJ Gosporella, multi-award-winning DJ and promoter; Mr. Efe Omorogbe, renowned artiste manager; Dele Kadiri, General Manager at Boomplay; Michael Odiong, CEO of Premier Records; Angela Anukam, Business and Legal Manager at THEMA, Canal+ Group; and Sesan Adeniji, General Manager of VYBZ FM. Various industry stakeholders and media representatives were also present to witness the occasion.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Chinedu Chukwuji, Founder and Chief Curator of PAMB, expressed his deep gratitude and pride in the Academy’s journey, which began in 2018 with the PurpleBlue Copyright and Music Business Masterclass. Dr. Chukwuji reflected on how the initial dream has evolved into a reality, culminating in the successful completion of the three-month Certificate Course in the Essentials of Music Business. This comprehensive program, which covered 10 critical modules and 20 lessons, each meticulously designed, provided students with a thorough understanding of the music industry.
In their remarks, the distinguished guests lauded Dr. Chukwuji’s foresight and tenacity in founding PAMB, emphasising the Academy’s vital role in building copyright and music business capacity within the creative industry. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Academy’s vision and mission, recognising the essential contributions PAMB will make to the copyright and music business ecosystem.
Notably, Dr. John Asein, the DG of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, underscored the importance of the Academy’s work, stating, “We look forward to a more robust collaboration between the Commission’s Copyright Academy and PAMB in the capacity development of creatives and everyone interested in this space.” He further pledged that the Commission will continue to support the Academy to ensure it meets its objectives, reinforcing the partnership between PAMB and the NCC.
One of the ceremony’s key highlights was the presentation and defense of students’ capstone projects, which showcased the knowledge and skills they gained at the Academy. A distinguished panel, including Angela Anukam, Sesan Adeniji, DJ Gosporella, Dele Kadiri, and Michael Odiong, evaluated the projects. The panel offered insightful feedback and praised the graduates for their creativity, dedication, and professionalism.
Certificates were awarded to all graduates who met the program’s rigorous requirements. Dr. Chukwuji coordinated the presentations, which Dr. John Asein, DJ Gosporella, and Angela Anukam handed out. The graduates’ achievements were celebrated as a testament to their hard work and the Academy’s commitment to excellence.
The graduates, represented by the project team lead, praised the Academy and its founder for their incredible work. The graduates said the course was eye-opening, incisive, and practical. They expressed their enthusiasm about the program, noting that it exceeded their expectations, and highly recommended that anyone interested in the music business enrol in the next cohort.
Dr. Chukwuji also highlighted that this first cohort, seen as a pilot program, was offered free of charge, reflecting the Academy’s commitment to providing accessible education and removing financial barriers for aspiring music professionals. He reiterated the Academy’s mission to fill a critical gap in the music industry by offering specialised training not typically provided by traditional educational institutions. Dr. Chukwuji also expressed the Academy’s eagerness to collaborate with academic institutions across Africa to expand access to this unique training, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of the creative industries.
*Graduating students *
Gabriel Olabode
Temitope Abraham
Akogwu abigail
Johnson Abu
Adewale Adeoye
Blessing akakam
Kodichi anigbogu
Shakira Asunramu
Simon Atlas
Shola-oni Ayomide
Tayebwa David
Enoch Adeoye
Alex Eleyinmi
Joy Etiowo
GB Chris
Aderemi Gbolagade
DJ Iràwo
Mercy C. Matthew
Senzo Clive Mavayeya
Eino John Max
Olasunkanmi Michael
Christian Adakole
Jimmy OD
Deborah Odeniyi
Ayodele Okwuosa
Kunle Olatunji
Emmanuel Omazi
Michael opeyemi
Official Sienah
Dr Somi
As PAMB prepares for its next cohort, the Academy remains focused on educating, empowering, and elevating the next generation of music business professionals, ensuring they have the tools to succeed in the ever-changing music industry.
For more inquiries, please visit
www.purpleblueacademy.com
