Alaba Mafia: The real ‘stars’ of Nigerian music industry

The Nigerian music industry is largely regarded by many as successful, though there is still room for improvement. But the success recorded in the industry today cannot be said to have come solely through the hard work of the musicians without recognising the ingenuity of the Alaba music promoters, also known as the Alaba Mafia, SEGUN ADEBAYO reports.

Gone are the days when entertainers lived from hand to mouth, with virtually no hope of a bright future. Today, across the continent, and indeed, in most parts of the world, music created by young Nigerians has become dominant. To put it simply, Nigerian musicians have taken the world by storm. They are on top of their game. But unknown to many Nigerians, the business of music is controlled directly inside the Alaba market. Not only that the fortune and misfortune of the average artiste irrespective of his talent is shaped by some individuals who may not necessarily know anything about music. These individuals are the marketers. They are heart of the Alaba mafia!.

Some weeks ago, Sunday Tribune, in company with a popular hip hop singer who begged for anonymity, visited Alaba market to parley with some of the marketers. The visit, according to the artiste, was to meet with those he called the 'Alaba boys'. Attempts to make him reveal the identity of these Alaba boys proved abortive as he insisted on not disclosing their names.

But Sunday Tribune's investigation revealed that these Alaba boys, to some artistes and even law enforcement authorities, are pirates, but to many other artistes, they are godsent benefactors, their source of livelihood.