Jumai Fabuyi: Bridging Music, Law, and Technology for a Brighter Future
Jumai Adedoja Fabuyi is forging a new path at the intersection of creativity and commerce. Recently conferred with the ‘Global Hero Award’ for her extraordinary contribution to the growth of technology and efforts to simplify digital processes, the seasoned entertainment lawyer, DJ, and music industry expert is harnessing the power of technology to empower Nigerian artists and shape the future of Afrobeats. In this interview with Sunday Ehigiator, the trailblazing entrepreneur, and Chief Operating Officer at Scar Production, speaks on how she is transforming the Nigerian music landscape and paving the way for a brighter future.
How did you become interested in entertainment law and Afrobeats?
My fascination with entertainment law, particularly Afrobeats, stems from passion, serendipity, and a dash of fate. Raised in a music-loving household, I was constantly surrounded by the sounds that told our stories, echoed our struggles, and celebrated our triumphs.
As Afro-beats evolved into a global phenomenon, I felt an innate desire to contribute to the legal framework that protects and empowers our artists.
As an entertainment lawyer, I’m privileged to play a pivotal role in the Nigerian music industry’s booming landscape. My work involves negotiating fair deals, clearing tracks, and brokering international partnerships amplifying our artists’ reach.
It’s exhilarating to be at the forefront of this creative explosion, ensuring that our talents receive the recognition and protection they deserve. By merging my passion for music with legal expertise, I’m living my dream – and the beat goes on.
What’s a standout deal you’ve brokered for a Nigerian musician?
Facilitating a Grammy-nominated track was a career highlight for me. Seeing Nigerian artists achieve international recognition is a thrill, and I’ve been fortunate to broker deals that amplify their reach.
From Lagos-based talent to African music giants, I’ve connected clients with prominent labels, paving the way for global success.
Each deal is a launch pad for their art, whether it’s securing contracts that expand their audience or ensuring fair terms for credit and compensation.
Witnessing a cleared track soar on the charts is incredibly rewarding, like contributing to a global jam session from behind the scenes. Client confidentiality prevents me from sharing specifics, but the sense of pride and fulfilment remains the same.
How do you guide artists in protecting their creative interests?
As an entertainment lawyer, I bridge the gap between creativity and legality, empowering artists to make informed decisions. I simplify complex contract language, ensuring they grasp each clause, particularly regarding intellectual property.
This includes understanding copyright, royalties, and master recording ownership. By clarifying the fine print, artists can confidently navigate the industry.
Beyond paperwork, I provide a broader perspective on how these choices impact their long-term careers. I advise on licensing, royalties, and ownership rights, illuminating how each decision affects not just their next project but their entire legacy.
My goal is to equip artists with confidence and business acumen, transforming them into savvy entrepreneurs. By understanding the legal and business aspects of their craft, they can focus on what matters most – creating exceptional music.
What obstacles do you face in Nigerian music law, and how do you overcome them?
The Nigerian music industry presents unique challenges, particularly in intellectual property protection. Piracy and copyright enforcement remain significant hurdles. To combat this, I ensure my clients have robust contracts and provide strategic guidance on safeguarding their work in vulnerable digital spaces.
Additionally, bridging cultural gaps with international labels requires adaptability, and finding common ground between Nigerian industry norms and global standards.
To navigate these challenges, I stay agile and informed. I keep pace with legal trends, technological advancements, and artists’ needs, ensuring I’m attuned to industry shifts.
This enables me to negotiate effectively, securing favourable terms for my clients. The fast-paced, high-stakes environment demands creative problem-solving and proactive communication. While it’s not easy, success in this field is incredibly rewarding, making every challenge worthwhile.
How do you stay informed about changes in music industry regulations?
As a DJ and entertainment lawyer, I’m uniquely positioned to understand the music industry’s evolving landscape. To stay current, I devour industry journals, legal newsletters, and articles on emerging tech trends in entertainment.
I also attend seminars and events focusing on entertainment law, tech, privacy, and Intellectual Property (IP) protection.
I monitor landmark cases impacting music and intellectual property rights and engage with fellow entertainment attorneys to share valuable insights. By combining legal knowledge with practical industry trends, I provide forward-thinking protection for my clients.
My dual passion for music and law enables me to navigate the dynamic entertainment landscape with precision and creativity.
What inspired The Scar Production, and what services does it provide?
The Scar Production, founded by our visionary CEO, combines production expertise with innovative flair.
Operating as an entertainment boutique, we provide comprehensive services including production, booking management, and artist promotion.
Our online radio station serves as a launch pad for emerging talent in Afrobeats, hip-hop, and beyond, broadcasting to Nigeria, the UK, and the US. Dedicated to empowering culture-defining artists, we foster local and global success, offering a vibrant platform for their talents to shine.
How do you coordinate artist development and production across multiple locations?
Managing artist development and production services across multiple locations requires a harmonious blend of technology, communication, and teamwork.
We leverage digital tools to collaborate seamlessly, ensuring real-time connectivity. Each location has a core team attuned to the local music scene, handling artist scouting, events, and operations.
I oversee the global strategy, aligning our mission to elevate African talent. Regular virtual check-ins facilitate knowledge sharing, adaptability, and unified goal pursuit.
Our passionate team focuses on artist growth, making cross-border collaboration feel effortless. By fostering unity and rhythm, we’ve turned geographical distance into a strength, driving success for African artists worldwide.
What’s the story behind The Scar Radio’s rapid expansion?
The Scar Radio’s journey from a WhatsApp group to a global platform began during the pandemic. I shared music with my University of Lagos alumni group, and Tobyshang added his signature hype.
The voice notes sparked lively debates on the best tracks. As interest grew, we shifted to Telegram to accommodate the expanding audience. This organic momentum led us to launch an online radio platform, showcasing fresh African sounds.
Today, The Scar Radio attracts 50,000 weekly listeners from Nigeria, the UK, the US, and beyond. We continually update our shows, and playlists, and feature emerging and established artists.
Our growth is a testament to community, great music, and pandemic-inspired innovation.
How do you juggle The Scar Production and Radio’s operational demands?
Managing The Scar Production and Radio requires precision and harmony. On the production side, organization is key – ensuring artists, events, and projects stay on schedule. The Scar Radio demands fresh content, listener engagement, and adaptability.
To achieve balance, we rely on a trusted team with local leaders overseeing daily operations, allowing us to focus on strategy and growth. Weekly departmental check-ins cover contract reviews, show planning, and innovative artist showcases. While intense, this diverse and dynamic work environment is incredibly rewarding.
What’s The Scar Radio’s impact on promoting Nigerian music worldwide?
The Scar Radio serves as a global ambassador for Nigerian music, showcasing Afrobeats’ diversity and energy to international listeners. We bridge local talent with worldwide audiences through curated playlists featuring emerging and established artists.
Our online platform, collaborations with international DJs and influencers, live shows, interviews, and exclusive content create an engaging experience. The Scar Radio amplifies Nigerian creativity, ensuring artists receive global recognition and connecting listeners with the infectious sounds of Nigerian music.
What leadership skills did you develop as Head of Justice Kayode Eso Student Chambers and President of NAOSS?
Leading Justice Kayode Eso’s Student Chambers and serving as President of NAOSS were pivotal experiences that shaped my leadership skills. I learned the importance of collaboration, listening, and effective communication to unite diverse individuals towards a common goal.
Delegating tasks, mediating disagreements, and making tough decisions while ensuring everyone felt valued and heard were essential skills I developed. These skills have been invaluable in my current roles as a leader in law and entertainment.
As President of NAOSS, I realized that true leadership is about service, not just holding a title. Advocating for my peers’ needs, introducing bursaries to address financial challenges, and creating tangible solutions taught me to identify community needs and follow through with action.
I also learned to be transparent, relatable, and accountable, values I apply in my work, whether advocating for artists or working on legal cases. Both experiences instilled a deep sense of responsibility, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Effective leadership involves understanding the role, identifying strengths, building communication skills, problem-solving, fostering collaboration, taking initiative, and leading by example.
What drew you to pursue an LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Tech Law?
My interest in Intellectual Property and Technology Law stemmed from my experience in the entertainment industry, particularly the intersection of music, technology, and law.
I was fascinated by how intellectual property influences the creative world, and as the music industry evolved with streaming platforms and emerging technologies, I recognized the need for specialized knowledge.
Pursuing an LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Technology Law enabled me to navigate the complexities of protecting artists’ digital work, ensuring control and fair monetization.
Expanding my expertise in privacy law and data protection, this program bridged the gap between the creative and legal tech spaces. My goal was to stay ahead of the curve in a constantly evolving industry, providing top-notch counsel to clients navigating the digital landscape.
How has your education equipped you to navigate the entertainment-tech intersection?
My education laid the groundwork for navigating entertainment and technology’s intersection.
Through my LL.B and LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Technology Law, I gained a solid understanding of legal principles applying to traditional entertainment and emerging tech.
Real-world exposure working with artists and tech professionals showed me how copyright, contracts, and privacy laws are constantly tested by digital platforms.
The University of Lagos played a pivotal role in my career as an entertainment lawyer. As the entertainment hub of Africa, Lagos immersed me in music, film, and culture, sparking my passion for entertainment law.
I worked with local musicians, learned about industry challenges, and navigated legal intricacies in Nigeria’s booming entertainment scene.
Studying at the University of Illinois broadened my perspective, providing academic depth and global insights into intellectual property, technology law, and privacy.
Combining Lagos’ practical experience with Illinois’ international expertise enables me to bridge local and global markets, advocating effectively for African artists worldwide.
This dual perspective allows me to address emerging challenges like data protection in music streaming and intellectual property rights in AI-generated content.
What sparked your interest in data privacy, and how do you champion stronger regulations?
My interest in data privacy stemmed from witnessing the rapid technological advancements in entertainment and tech, and the lack of control individuals had over their data.
As a legal professional in the digital space, I saw firsthand how sensitive data was mishandled, fueling my determination to explore legal protections for consumers and creators.
I passionately advocate for stronger data privacy regulations, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and security in data collection and usage. In my work with musicians and tech companies, I push for better privacy safeguards and engage with legislative efforts, staying updated on global laws like GDPR.
My goal is to shape conversations around regulations that protect individuals in our digital world, ensuring fair treatment and safeguarding personal information.
What legal services do you offer to companies and artists in the digital space?
In the digital age, I help artists and companies navigate evolving legal complexities. Artists require guidance on protecting their work from piracy, managing digital rights, and leveraging streaming platforms fairly.
I advise on contracts, licensing deals, and royalties to safeguard their intellectual property across digital spaces. Additionally, I emphasize data privacy, ensuring they understand how their personal information interacts with larger digital ecosystems.
For companies, particularly in tech and entertainment, I focus on data privacy regulation compliance and best practices for AI governance. As AI generates music, analyzes data, and interacts with fans, I assist in establishing responsible AI use frameworks.
This ensures transparency and respect for intellectual property and privacy rights. My approach provides clear legal guidance while fostering an understanding of how AI, data, and digital platforms reshape the entertainment and tech industries.
This enables clients to thrive in an era where innovation and regulation must collaborate.
What impact do data privacy regulations have on the entertainment industry?
The entertainment industry faces significant implications from data privacy regulations as it transitions to digital platforms. Companies, platforms, and artists must prioritize consumer data protection to comply with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and local laws, avoiding fines and reputational damage.
Artists must ensure fan data collection and usage are transparent, secure, and consensual, particularly with AI and machine learning targeting ads or personalizing content.
Entertainment companies must consider ethical and legal implications when using AI tools for data analysis. Privacy laws require transparent data collection, responsible usage, and secure storage.
Adopting a privacy-by-design approach is crucial when developing technologies or marketing strategies. The industry must view data privacy as both a legal obligation and an opportunity to build audience trust and achieve long-term success in the digital landscape. By prioritizing data protection, entertainment businesses can maintain credibility and foster loyalty among their audience.
How do you safeguard artists’ digital IPs?
Protecting artists’ Intellectual Property (IP) in the digital space demands a multi-faceted approach. I ensure artists have robust contracts specifying rights to their music, videos, and creative works on digital platforms. This includes licensing agreements, royalty arrangements, and copyright registration to provide legal recourse against infringement.
The rise of deepfakes poses significant risks, including unauthorized use of an artist’s likeness, voice, or brand. To combat this, I advise on digital watermarking, blockchain technology, and AI-driven authentication tools.
I also help clients establish strong legal protections, such as contract clauses prohibiting unauthorized image or recording use.
In today’s digital landscape, vigilance and adaptability are crucial. I help artists stay ahead of emerging technologies and IP threats. By combining legal safeguards with practical strategies, I ensure artists maintain control over their creative work and protect their brand integrity. Effective IP protection requires a proactive and innovative approach.
What’s your proudest moment in your entertainment law and music career?
As an entertainment lawyer and music executive, my most notable achievement has been representing top Afrobeats artists, including Nigeria’s genre ambassador and current client.
I provide comprehensive support, navigating contracts, international collaborations, and brand partnerships. Beyond legal expertise, I serve as a trusted advisor, empowering artists to make informed decisions for long-term success.
I’ve also worked with Nigerian music legends who’ve shaped Afrobeats and global trends. My expertise spans international record deals, licensing agreements, and intellectual property rights.
Each deal requires a deep understanding of law and music. By advocating for artists while preserving creative freedom and securing fair compensation, I contribute to their growth and global impact. Witnessing my work support their success is truly fulfilling.
How do you juggle law, music, and personal responsibilities?
Managing my legal practice, music industry work, and personal life requires precision and passion. As a lawyer, I prioritize organization and task management to exceed client expectations, whether negotiating contracts or advising artists.
On the music side, I dedicate time to artist development, label collaborations, and production logistics.
As a DJ, I unwind and stay connected to the music scene. Spinning tracks at events or for friends fuels my creativity and keeps me current. Balancing work and play requires discipline and time management.
I recharge with loved ones, hobbies, and self-care to bring my best self to my pursuits. My motivation stems from a genuine love for what I do – it’s a challenging yet rewarding juggling act.
What tips do you have for aspiring entertainment lawyers/music executives?
To aspiring entertainment lawyers and music executives, I offer three key pieces of advice: stay passionate, informed, and adaptable. The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, driven by rapid changes in law, technology, and music.
To succeed, dive deep into both the legal and business aspects. Entertainment lawyers need expertise in contracts, intellectual property, and digital-age challenges, while music executives must balance creative and business acumen.
Building strong relationships is vital; reputation is everything in this industry. Network with artists, labels, producers, and peers to open doors and seize opportunities.
Also, stay flexible adapting to new technology, negotiations, and artistic visions. Amidst the challenges, remember why you started.
Helping artists protect their rights or fostering new talent is incredibly rewarding. Stay dedicated, work hard, and embrace new challenges. With persistence and passion, you’ll thrive in this dynamic industry.
How do you define success and legacy in your entertainment career?
I measure success by the impact I have on artists and professionals, contributing to the growth and protection of talent and the global expansion of Afrobeats.
It’s not just about financial rewards or high-profile deals, but about navigating complex challenges and securing artists’ futures. When an artist signs a life-changing deal or a music project goes global, I know I’m making a difference.
My legacy extends beyond today’s work. I strive to pave the way for future generations in entertainment and music. I aim to be remembered for protecting artists’ rights, bridging legal, business, and creative worlds, and leaving a legacy of integrity, empowerment, and advocacy.
This includes mentoring young lawyers, developing sustainable artist business models, and shaping digital entertainment regulation. Ultimately, success is measured by the positive impact on people, industry, and lasting change for future creatives and legal professionals.
What’s the future vision for The Scar Production and Radio?
My long-term vision for The Scar Production and The Scar Radio is to expand creatively and commercially while empowering artists and promoting global African music.
For The Scar Production, this means growing our artist roster, expanding services to support artists in music, film, and digital content, and enhancing partnerships with global brands and labels.
The Scar Radio aims to become a leading platform for Afrobeats and African music globally. We’ll achieve this by expanding content offerings, including exclusive interviews, live performances, and artist collaborations. We’ll also provide opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their talents to a global audience.
Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy of growth, innovation, and cultural pride. The Scar Radio will become a hub for cultural exchange, fostering discovery, education, and engagement between artists and audiences.
By serving artists and listeners alike, we’ll cement our position as champions of African music and culture, driving global appreciation and understanding.
How do you see Nigeria’s music scene evolving, and what’s your role?
I envision Nigeria’s music industry becoming a global powerhouse, building on Afrobeats’ international success. The fusion of traditional African sounds with global genres and digital platforms will fuel growth.
Technology, particularly AI, will play a crucial role, enabling artists to create efficiently, personalize fan experiences, and engage with global audiences.
As a bridge between creativity and business, I’ll advocate for artists’ rights, facilitate partnerships, and ensure legal frameworks protect music and artists.
I’ll also leverage AI-driven tools for music production, distribution, and royalty management, ensuring Nigerian artists navigate the tech landscape confidently and fairly.
By combining law, technology, and music expertise, I aim to shape a sustainable future where Nigerian music dominates globally, thriving in the digital landscape.
