Encomium
PERFORMING Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) is being rebranded, courtesy of the new leadership of its National Chairman, Kevin Lucciano-Gabriel. Attesting to this in an exclusive interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly at the union’s new national headquarters on Omodara Street, Awuse Estate, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday, December 19, 2013, Mr. Lucciano-Gabriel took us through his modest achievement in just few weeks in office. The lawyer-turned-unionist and boss of Questionmark also poured out his heart on the pains of losing his sweet mother at 62, run-away artistes (Asa, Harrysong and Ego) and the joys of being married to a resourceful and homely woman…
What is the new PMAN all about?
It is not really new per se. PMAN has been in existence since 1984. But now it has taken a new dimension. It is going through rebranding. We have moved our administrative office to Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos now. We have been able to employ professionals to run the union. There are those in administration, legal section, foundation, media, etcetera. It is a new union in this sense. PMAN will now partner other organizations and government agencies for the overall benefit of our members across the nation. We are looking at a credible union.
PMAN recently rented a magnificent office complex, a duplex in Awuse Estate, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos. What do you have here?
Like you rightly said, it is a complex. We have a conference hall, we have about 16 offices accommodating the different faculties and staff. We also have a studio.
What next for PMAN? Now you have set up the much-needed structure for the union to thrive?
We are now set to work to deliver dividends to our members and stakeholders after many years of neglect. So, I’m urging Nigerian artistes to join us.
There were once pockets of resistance when you emerged PMAN interim president, but now your leadership has been widely accepted. What is responsible for this?
You must understand I emerged the Interim President through the peace initiative. So, this is a government I know that every other faction would want to work with. One way or the other, all of us, Tee Mac, Hajia, myself, want a union that will carry all our members along, not a union of violence, not a union of thuggery, factions and constant controversy. So, we are all aiming for the same thing, a union that will work. After the meeting with the trade union in Abuja, every member of all the factions were all advised to embrace the peace initiative. And that is where we are now.
What is the position of PMAN in the ongoing face off between Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria (IBAN)/Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON)?
We have plans to send our position on the issue across but you must understand that most of our members who should take a decision on it are not available at the moment. We would definitely take a stand in the interest of the industry.
Where are you taking PMAN in 2014 and beyond?
We are taking PMAN to its rightful position, so it can be of benefit to all of us. We are looking at a PMAN that would participate in community service and create business opportunities for members and stakeholders.
Still related to doing business in the music industry, the trend now is that artistes don’t abide by their contract agreement?
That is true for some of us, but we would look into the matter so as not to discourage investors.
You have also been a victim. What is your relationship with Harrysong, your run-away artiste right now?
Harrysong is still on Questionmark label, but that is the much I can say now because the matter is still undergoing legal process.
What about Asa?
The story of Asa and Questionmark is already old and I think it is a story I would like to leave for yesterday and continue with today.
Where is another of your artistes, Ego Omalicha?
She relocated to America.
When you remember you always have these incredible talented acts who come in, get the best out of Questionmark and escape, how does it really feel?
It does feel bad. With all honesty, a lot of people outside do not understand the music industry. When an artiste breaches his contract, the record label owner becomes the enemy of his or her fans. They forget that you are an investor and without your investment, the fans wouldn’t probably hear about the artiste. All of a sudden, you have become a wicked person. But I have been in bed for two, three years with you without being labeled wicked. Now, all of a sudden, you are famous and I’m wicked and heartless. Of course, you feel bad because this is an artiste you discovered and decided to groom and put money on him or her.
What is really happening to Questionmark?
We are still there. And one day, we would find a product. The most important thing is having a brand.
You recently lost your mom, how did the burial go?
Oh, it was successful. I hail from Delta State, which is not the easiest state when it comes to culture and ceremonies. I’m so thankful to my family members for their support all through the burial. The weather was also good despite the fact that it was rainy season.
You certainly miss your mom?
Oh yes. My mom was 62. She was very young. I wish she had lived much longer but I can’t question God. She was a very obedient woman to God. So, for God to have allowed her to go means it was His will.
Did you have a premonition of her death?
No, she was at my wedding. She lived abroad. She arrived Nigeria on August 20 after my wedding for her nephew’s marriage. She didn’t make the wedding eventually. I went to Japan for my honeymoon, when I arrived Nigeria she called to tell me she has stomach pain. We thought it was appendix issue or ulcer, but it turned out to be a bowel obstruction. A surgery was carried out but she couldn’t make it.
How many other siblings do you have?
From my father’s side, I have three brothers and one sister while from my mother’s side I have four brothers and one sister.
How is married life?
Married life is good. I advise every eligible man to please get married. Don’t give up on marriage. I used to be afraid of marriage but I’m now enjoying married life. I’m thankful to my wife’s family. They are very wonderful people. They were quite supportive when my mother died. And they have always been there for us. I’m also thankful to my wife. She is my pillar of support. She plays a major role in my everyday life.
What do you really cherish most about your wife?
Her patience. She is also extremely intelligent and very hard working. She has this drive that makes her a homely woman.
What does she do?
She works with an oil and gas firm.
– UCHE OLEHI
