Popular Nigerian skit maker, Chukwuebuka Amuzie, better known as Brain Jotter, has addressed allegations that he exploited veteran singer, Mike Ejeagha after using his 1983 chart-topper, “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” to create content.
This is coming after Brain Jotter started a dance challenge recently using Ejeagha’s song, a development that puts smiles on many people’s faces.
It is worth noting that the song by the 93-year-old folk legend is over four decades old.
However, its recent use by Brain Jotter has captivated social media platforms, raising concerns regarding the distribution of revenue and copyright issues.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Brain Jotter clarified that he is not reaping any financial benefits from the viral phenomenon.
He said: “For those who think we ripped him off or we’re making money from this whole thing, I understand your concerns, and they are very valid. I appreciate the fact that you want him to get value for his hard work, which is very valid, and I want you to understand that you are doing something good.”
Sharing a video of his visit to the music legend, Brain Jotter explained, saying, “At the end of the day, no dime was made from this song by me, nothing like that.”
He further explained the mechanics of content monetisation on various platforms.
Brain Jotter added: “All those music where I did put out there – Instagram, Facebook, YouTube – everything, the whole revenue is going to Mike Ejeagha’s record label, his production company.
“You cannot even monetise another person’s song because these platforms have copyright violation tools. If I post that video on YouTube, YouTube strikes it for copyright and they give the revenue to the actual owner, which is Mike Ejeagha.
“If you post it on Facebook, Facebook will tell you outright that this song does not belong to you; it belongs to this person. They take the revenue and give it to the actual owner.
“The song increased its streams on streaming platforms massively, and there’s no way I can put the song on streaming platforms. So everything, all revenues, are going straight to Mike Ejeagha.”
Speaking about his gift of two million nairas to Ejeagha, Brain Jotter said, “The two million I gave him was from my pocket. My hard-earned money is just for humanity and not for profit. This whole thing is not for profit.”
He further expressed gratitude for the joy the challenge has brought.
“We got the reward, which is the joy in his heart now. The joy in his heart now is my profit,” he said.
