President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, (PMAN), Hajia Amina Oluremi Dangaji, has promised to continue re-positioning the body in order to make sure that the rights of performing artistes are well protected. In this brief interview with the Editor, FOLORUNSHO HAMSAT and RAHMAN ISMAIL, Dangaji, who spoke on sundry issues, disclosed that her ultimate aim at PMAN is to ensure a positive change and through aggressive efforts bring the body to acceptable levels of global acceptance.
Excerpts…
What has been your experience running PMAN at the national level?
To be honest, my experience in PMAN did open eyes to a lot of things that are not meant to be divulged on newspaper pages. In fact, it turned me into an activist and it helped me to understand leadership better. Being PMAN is fun because all musicians are jolly fellows under the umbrella.
Under your leadership, has Nigerian musicians fared better?
Things have been okay under my leadership, with the support of my new excos. PMAN will be alive again and beautiful things will begin to happen like it used to be. Events will begin to take place and musicians’ right’ would not be denied them. My leadership will make sure musicians smile. What many fail to understand is that PMAN is not a family business; it is a union that is recognized by the government. But a few greedy elements just wanted to destroy it for selfish reasons. They are behind the unending in the union but they shall be exposed one day.
You have a Yoruba name, Oluremi, among your other names, how did it come about?
My Yoruba name comes from my background as a Lagosian. I’m from both Edo and Lagos States.
Do you still run A-Plus Record, what is the progress so far and how many artistes have you on the label now?
Yes I’m still in charge. I’m coming up fully with new concepts for A-Plus. Currently, I have four artistes on the label working on ‘Street Got Talents’.
Tell us about your family and how much support are you getting from them in running PMAN.
I have a wonderful husband who is always there for me. Although, he used to complain that I was stubborn because I was doing a job that even men are finding it difficult to handle. You know, as a Muslim woman, this kind of job is a tough because you are not allowed to leave your head open and the way you dress must conform to your faith. Those are the issues there. But my husband is an understanding man. I also find running PMAN easy because I do other stuff like buying and selling and taking contracts.
You’re a stylish woman, what informs what you wear on each occasion?
Every occasion determines what I wear. Sometimes, I go for English wear or native and on other occasions, I put on dresses that require putting on hijab.
Tell us your most memorable moment in life
My most memorable moment in my life was when my children got admission into military school. There had been other unforgettable moments though.
How do you think the government can support the growing of the music industry?
We need government’s support. Government has to support us by recognizing and partnering PMAN and the music industry in Nigeria. PMAN needs special allocation to run effectively and we meet a minister of entertainment. We are pushing all these to the government as we progress.
What gives you inspiration in what you do?
What gives me inspiration is the spirit to succeed in everything that I do. I’m led by the passion to succeed and deliver and I make sure that people around me are pleased.
Tell us about your journey into PMAN. Are you into music?
My journey into PMAN is not by mistake. It is divine. I’m a musician. I had waxed albums and I’m presently working on the next album. My brand is Yoruba highlife music. In PMAN, I started as state vice chairman before I was elected between 2012 and 2014. To the glory of God, I’m back in office as President.
What is your advice for musicians who wish to grow fast in the business?
My advice for musicians who wish to grow in music business is to be humble and patient. They will get there one day.
