A powerful delegation of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), the nation’s biggest copyright collective management organization, was live at Freedom Park, Lagos this Sunday, July 21, 2024 where they joined many others to celebrate in a big way, the 70th birthday and 56 years on stage of the irrepressible Steve Black, whom COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, described as “a musician’s musician”.
Those who accompanied Chief Okoroji to the event include frontline COSON board member, the celebrated drummer and producer, Richard Ayodele Cole and Gospel Reggae Minister, the unbeatable ever-creative Righteousman Erhabour, another pillar of the COSON Board. Righteousman was present with his darling wife, Carol Cee, a powerful gospel minister in her own right, and another staunch member of COSON. The COSON board members were joined at the top table by Ambassador Felix Duke, President of the Creative Industry Group (CIG). Ambassador Duke was at the event with his beautiful wife, Mrs. Caprice Duke.
Chief Okoroji who said that that he had come to the event with the felicitations of the thousands of COSON members across the country spoke glowingly of Steve Black He said, “there are musicians and there are musicians. Steve “Dudu” Black is a musician’s musician. There are many who took music as a profession to make quick money or obtain quick fame. Steve Black does not belong to that group. His commitment to music has been total. His passion for music is unquestionable and his dedication to the profession is unrivalled”
The COSON Chairman and famed flutist, Tee Mac Isele, jointly conducted the cutting of the big birthday cake, after the chant of doh: re: mi: fa: so: la: tee: doh.
The highlight of the celebrations was the launching of Steve Black’s book titled, “My Imperfections Made Me a Perfect Man”. Following Tee Mac’s launch of the book, Chief Okoroji invited Richard Cole and Righteosman, the COSON Board members present, and Mr. Laolu Akins, a former member of the COSON Board, to join him to launch the book on behalf of COSON. Chief Tony Okoroji also launched the book in his personal capacity.
Ther was heavy live music with very active performance by the celebrant decked in sparkling white outfit with glittering gold ornaments commanding the stage and the band and performing in a way that bellied his age and stunned everyone. There were many side attractions by several young musicians. When Righteousman and Carol mounted the stage, there was ‘fire’ at Freedom Park. It was a night to remember.
