Music lawyer Foza to release book on ‘industry blacklist’ culture

Foza Fawehinmi is set to release a book touching on “blacklist culture” in the local music industry.

Although the practice is now ineffective as the industry has become more accessible, the dominance of gatekeepers in Nigerian music in the past allowed top executives to scuttle the success of rivals who aired dissenting opinions.

In the book titled ‘So Far So Foza’, Foza addresses the evolution of this practice, sharing experiences of her own.

She said blacklisting people who shared different opinions on social media is gradually becoming unfashionable.

“Stakeholders in the Nigerian music industry are now becoming more tolerant of dissenting opinions and reckless rants made by less powerful players in the scene,” the entertainment lawyer and music executive pointed out.

In the book, she writes: “At the beginning of my career, when I go on social media to rant, I’d often get cautioned.

“Osagie gave me the liberty to interact with others and that’s why I’m convinced she was sincere about my growth.

“There were times when she’d advise me when I go ranting on social media platforms and tell me to be conscious.”

Foza also recalls how some high-paying corporate clients did not fancy working with disagreeable individuals.

“[Osagie’s advice] was helpful. Some clients did not appreciate such at that time,” the entertainment lawyer adds.

“The world is quite different now. Gen Z music executives speak freely with no fear of being blacklisted.”