Why I’m dropping my album online, by Mode 9

That piracy is the bane of the Nigerian entertainment industry has never been in doubt, but the ills of this practice, which has been described as heinous, needs to be felt to be understood.

This is the case with Babatunde Olusegun Adewale, popularly known by his stage name, Mode 9. Speaking to The Nation, the popular rhymester said that he did not make a dime from his last album, titled Above Ground Level.

“You give your CDs to the Alaba guys to market for you, and even though you see your CDs all over the place, whenever you call them to ask for your money, they tell you, e no sell. Should you decide to visit them at their shops, they will show you the CDs you gave them to
sell, claiming, e no sell, all this in spite of evidence to the contrary. They simply copy the CDs, and sell their own copies, leaving the original copies unsold”, he said.

The talented rapper however went on to say, “CDs are on their way out anyway. Digital music is the future, and so I have decided to release my forthcoming album online. It will only be available online via downloads for the enjoyment, and convenience of my fans.

“This is why COSON’s mantra, Let the Music Pay is apt. Pirates continue to rip off Nigerian entertainers, who more often than not have nothing to show for their creative works. Many entertainers sink their energies, and hard earned money into creating songs and movies, only to end up having nothing to show for their efforts.”