In the bustling, rhythm-filled streets of Lagos in the 1980s, a group of passionate musicians came together with a vision. They wanted to create an organization that would stand as a shield and a voice for every musician in Nigeria. Out of this dream, the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) was born. The aim was clear: defend the rights of musicians, fight for their welfare, and provide a united front against the exploitation rampant in the entertainment industry.
For decades, PMAN fought many battles. It won some, and lost others, but always stood its ground. Yet, like many organizations, PMAN was not immune to the pitfalls of leadership and governance. Over the years, the association fell victim to internal conflicts, mismanagement, and a lack of direction. By the time Pretty Okafor took the helm as President in 2016, PMAN was a shadow of its former self.
Pretty Okafor was no ordinary musician. He was a visionary leader with a deep-seated passion for revitalizing PMAN and restoring it to its original purpose. He knew the importance of this organization, not just for the musicians of Nigeria, but for the entire African continent. He saw a PMAN that was stronger, more unified, and more powerful than ever before. Under his leadership, the association began to flourish once more.
Pretty Okafor worked tirelessly to reform PMAN. He fought against corruption, introduced transparency, and ensured that funds meant for the welfare of musicians were used appropriately. He secured partnerships, improved membership benefits, and began initiatives that put PMAN back on the map as a formidable force in the entertainment industry. For the first time in its 40-year existence, PMAN was achieving feats never before accomplished.
However, as is often the case with great success, not everyone was pleased. Within the ranks of PMAN were individuals who had grown accustomed to the old ways of doing things. They were used to pocketing funds meant for the association, living off the sweat of hardworking musicians, and making decisions that benefited only a select few. These individuals included some of Pretty Okafor's closest allies—Sunny Neji, Ruggedman, Zakky Azzay, and a few others.
Sunny Neji, Ruggedman, and Zakky Azzay were once trusted officers in the union, respected by many. They had stood beside Pretty in his early days as President. But as Pretty continued to push for reform, insisting that the association's resources be used for the common good rather than for personal gain, a rift began to form. Greed, like a slow-acting poison, began to corrupt their hearts. They saw the funds pouring into the association and yearned for a share, a proverbial "pot of porridge" they could not resist.
Driven by this greed and feeling threatened by Pretty's unwavering stance against corruption, these officers hatched a plan to remove him from power. They concocted stories, spread false rumors, and even attempted a coup while Pretty was away on official business. They hoped to discredit him and seize control of PMAN, where they could return to the old ways—ways that allowed them to enrich themselves at the expense of the association's true mission.
But Pretty Okafor was no stranger to adversity. He had faced challenges before and had always emerged stronger. He was not going to let a few greedy individuals derail the progress of an organization he had worked so hard to rebuild. When he learned of the betrayal, he was deeply hurt—not just because of the personal betrayal but because he knew what was at stake. PMAN was not just an organization; it was a symbol of hope for many musicians who had no other voice.
Pretty immediately called for an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC). He laid out the facts, presented evidence of the conspiracy, and called for a vote of no confidence in the rogue officers. The NEC, after careful consideration and investigation, found Sunny Neji, Ruggedman, Zakky Azzay, and others guilty of misconduct. They were suspended from their positions, and a thorough investigation was launched.
Throughout this ordeal, Pretty remained steadfast. He knew that his commitment to transparency, accountability, and the greater good of the association would be tested, but he refused to waver. He understood that true leadership often meant making tough decisions, even at the cost of personal relationships. He reminded everyone of PMAN’s founding values and the reasons they all joined the union in the first place—to protect and serve the musicians of Nigeria, not to exploit them.
Pretty's courage and integrity won him new allies, both within PMAN and in the wider music community. Many musicians, seeing his determination to do the right thing, rallied around him. They recognized that Pretty was fighting not just for the present, but for the future of PMAN and every musician in Nigeria. They saw in him a leader who, despite facing betrayal and opposition, refused to give up on his mission.
Pretty Okafor’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, integrity, and steadfastness in leadership. It is a reminder that doing the right thing is not always easy, but it is always worth it. For those in positions of power, his experience serves as a lesson: leadership is not about personal gain but about serving others and standing up for what is just and fair.
To all those who face challenges in their endeavors, remember Pretty Okafor’s journey. Remember that staying true to your values, even in the face of betrayal and adversity, defines great leadership. And to Pretty, the musicians of Nigeria, and the world say: "Do not give up. Your work is valuable, your vision is just, and your fight is not in vain."
And to the "Monica" and "Bolanle" crooner, Pretty, PMAN is stronger today because of your courage. May you continue to lead with wisdom and integrity, guiding the association to greater heights and setting an example for all who aspire to leadership. Keep your faith, stay the course, and know that the future of Nigerian music will be brighter because of leaders like you.
Seun Joseph writes from Hull City.
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