- Comedian Brainjotter has been dominating trends after creating a challenge from the song of an Igbo Highlife artiste, Mike Ejeagha
- He promised to give the veteran singer the sum of N2 million
- Nigerians reacted to the matter online, as some accused him of intellectual theft
Nigerian skit maker Chukwuebuka Emmanuel, popularly known as Brainjotter, has come under fire for creating a dance trend to an old song and offering the owner of the song N2 million.
The comedian created videos, which have now gone viral and started a trend, where he danced to the ending part of a song titled Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche by veteran Igbo Highlife singer, Mike Ejeagha, which he released in 1983.
Due to this trend, Mike Ejeagha has experienced a resurgence in his career thanks to the viral social media trend initiated by Brainjotter.
In a bid to acknowledge the owner of the song after going viral, popular blogger Tunde Ednut made an Instagram post saying Brainjotter was looking for the legend who sang the song.
Eventually, Brainjotter connected with Ejeagha, and a video of people visiting the 91-year-old Highlife artiste at his home in Enugu sparked widespread discussion.
According to the conversation posted by Tunde Ednut, Brain Jotter wanted to give Mike Ejeagha N2 million. This was met with some admiration for the comedian’s generosity and some backlash.
While some people thanked Brainjotter for his kindness, others thought he was only trying to ‘short-change’ the legend by giving him a measly N2 million when he would make more millions from the use of the song.
Some people claimed that Brainjotter used the song as his own original audio in the video he made, others claim that irrespective of that, he didn’t owe Ejeagha a dime and was even supposed to be paid for reviving the song.
A netizen, @rapheal_irenen made a post saying “For those of you that claimed that the song was already on IG’s library when Brain Jotter first used it, this is the first video where he used it. Observe closely, the audio of the video is tagged as Brain Jotter’s original audio.”
A lawyer, @egi_nupe___, who calls himself Foundational Nupe Lawyer on X reacted to the post. He said: “Brazen intellectual theft!!!! Sadly, the old man won’t be benefiting from his hard work fully. Well done Chief for the free education.”
He also posted: “I hope the man has a good lawyer. You can’t use someone’s song for content raking millions and offer to give the man “2million” as if you are helping the man.”
Many others have taken to social media to defend the comedian against the trolls who believe he should be sued for the royalties he is denying the legend.
Some people are also educating others on the laws on copyright and the use of songs on social media.
Nigerians react to Brainjotter’s gift to Ejeagha
Here are some of the comments:
@NewBornDey4U posted: “Is it the song that blew up the content or the person involved?? Bcos that song has been in existence for years, more over in dark ages. Brainjotter shud be paid here bcos his influence revived it. The man suppose happy say somebody remember him song.”
@Obatom19 posted: “Now, the question will be “is the song still copyrighted?” Seeing that it’s an old song and copyright can expire.
If it’s not, BrainJotter would not pay shishi. But if it is still copyrighted, if this goes to Court, BrainJotter would pay royalties because of the sound.”
@ElvisCyril5 posted: “What about thousand of people using the sound on TikTok? Is the man going to take them to court too or it's because brainjotter is a celebrity. Off the road abeg.”
@okabarack posted: “Nah, barrister you're mistaken. All social media platforms where he posted videos has agreements with music distributors. That means, anyone can use the songs on their platform and the original artist receives royalties. BrainJotter is not owing Mike Ejeagha.”
@0xFavio posted: “How is this even possible?, it was purely for content not that brainjotter used it for creation of ads or tickets sales which is for commercial purposes without permission. Well we learn everyday D-LAW.”
@Obaofamsterdam posted: “Misplaced Priority. Other lawyers are out there providing solutions and solving problem for Nigerians, you are here trying to brew enemity between @brainjotter__ and Mike Ejeagha.. but let me disappoint you, igbos are not like other tribes. So don't even try to sell that your flimsy idea of "theft of intellectual property" to people and the family of mike Ejeagha. The legend got 2million and he's grateful for that. Try get sense. Nupe lawyer.”
@fijibreed posted: “If anything, Brainjotter has brought exposure to that man’s song and him himself, and if his family is smart, they would capitalise on this momentum, make the song available on streaming platforms, and if possible partner with brainjotter for commercial purposes.”
@iam_theraphael posted: “If na so everyone who has danced to it and has gain more followers and views like brainjotter too has to pay. Do you see where this is going?”
@Geetrendmedia posted: “The song is not on TikTok. Just imagine how much artist are willing to pay brainjotter for advert of this kind of promotion. He will charge nothing less than 3milion. The song is only on YouTube which the traffic and views increase because of brainjotter promo. Win - win.”
@Ugochukw5Chisom posted: “This idea isn't right, that is not copyright rather is there any infringement provided you didn't use someone's creativity (lines or sound) @brainjotter__ have that song a huge promotion tbh.”
Celebrating Stanley Okorie: The voice behind Nollywood’s memorable soundtracks
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported five popular songs of Stanely Okorie which have gone viral on social media.
Stanley Okorie, the singer behind some of the memorable soundtracks in Nollywood carved a unique niche for himself in the industry.
His music is an integral part of the Nigerian film experience, adding depth and emotion to countless Nollywood movies.
Despite his influence, his name often remains behind the scenes, until recently when some of his songs gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and now, many Nigerians have used his songs for their short videos and skits.