PMAN NASARAWA SLAMS STATE GOVERNMENT OVER EXCLUSION OF HOME BASED ARTISTES IN 2BABA TOUR
The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Nasarawa State Chapter, has expressed disappointment over what it described as the “continuous sidelining” of local entertainers in state-sponsored events, citing the recent visit of music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, for the North Central Peace Concert in Lafia.
In a press release signed by Ewuga Oliver Slodgz, Acting Governor of PMAN Nasarawa, the body appreciated the peace initiative but condemned the total neglect of home based artistes during the concert preparations and activities.
According to the association, not a single local entertainer was invited, consulted, or given any platform to perform, despite the state being home to numerous talented creatives. “It is as if Nasarawa has no creative community, despite being blessed with a wealth of talent,” the statement read.
PMAN raised critical questions, asking why the state government continues to celebrate outsiders while overlooking its own talents. The association also questioned why state resources are often directed to external entertainers while letters from local artistes seeking recognition and collaboration are ignored.
The statement further pointed out that during election campaigns, these same artistes are often engaged to drive political messages, yet they are neglected when it comes to entertainment programs that should naturally showcase their talent.
PMAN also called on 2Baba himself to recognize the importance of engaging local artistes whenever he visits states like Nasarawa. “A peace concert without the voices of our own creatives sends a dangerous message of exclusion and devaluation,” the release stated.
The association urged the Nasarawa State Government, particularly the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Development, to immediately review its approach and ensure that home-based entertainers are not only recognized but actively empowered in future programs.
“Our creatives are not asking for favors they are demanding fairness,” PMAN emphasized.
Until this narrative changes, the body encouraged artistes in the state to reflect deeply on how their contributions are being valued.
Meanwhile there has been ton of cristism from artistes and concern citizens of Nasarawa state over the continuous sideline of the state artistes by the state government
READ THE PRESS RELEASE BELOW…
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 22, 2025
NASARAWA ENTERTAINERS DESERVE RECOGNITION: LOCAL TALENTS MUST BE CARRIED ALONG IN STATE-SPONSORED EVENTS
The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Nasarawa State Chapter, expresses deep disappointment over the continuous sidelining of home-based entertainers in state-sponsored events, most recently in relation to the reported visit of Nigeria’s music legend, Innocent Idibia (2Baba), for the North Central Peace Concert.
which While PMAN acknowledges and appreciates the noble vision behind the concert promotes peace and unity the total neglect of indigenous artists in the process is unacceptable. No local entertainer was invited, consulted, or given any platform to contribute. It is as if Nasarawa has no creative community, despite being blessed with a wealth of talent.
This raises painful questions:
How can we celebrate outsiders while ignoring our own?
Why must state resources continuously enrich external entertainers, while home-based talents are ghosted even after writing several letters seeking recognition and partnership?
When will Nasarawa creatives be seen as worthy investments rather than afterthoughts?
PMAN believes that if 2Baba, as a legendary artist, truly values the cultural and artistic heritage of Nasarawa, he should have asked to engage with local artists his “family” in the state. Similarly, the State Government, while spearheading such initiatives, has a responsibility to ensure local entertainers are carried along. A peace concert without the voices of our own creatives sends a dangerous message of exclusion and devaluation.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that during elections, these same artists are often called upon to lend their voices and mobilize support for candidates. If they are good enough to drive political campaigns, they are good enough to be recognized and supported in government-sponsored entertainment initiatives.
PMAN therefore calls on the Nasarawa State Government, through the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Development, to immediately reconsider its approach and begin to value, recognize, and empower home-based talents. Our creatives are not asking for favors they are demanding fairness.
Until this narrative changes, PMAN urges its members and the wider artistic community to reflect deeply on how their contributions are valued in the state.
Signed:
Ewuga Oliver Slodgz
Acting Governor, PMAN Nasarawa State Chapter
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