The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Plateau State chapter, has formally welcomed back veteran music artist and CEO of Tapshak Entertainment, Dorcas Bentu, into its fold, conferring on her the title of Patron during a courtesy visit to her office in Jos.
Led by the Plateau State PMAN Governor, Comrade Ambassador Humphrey Ireogu, popularly known as “Colour,” the delegation of state executives paid tribute to Bentu’s foundational role in the union’s establishment on the Plateau and acknowledged her longstanding contributions to the creative industry.
Receiving the honor, Dorcas Bentu expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and used the opportunity to call for renewed unity and strategic collaboration among musicians and stakeholders in the Plateau entertainment sector. She emphasized the need to move beyond past divisions and revive a shared vision that can reposition Plateau as a creative hub in Nigeria.
“In the early days, our vision was to see Plateau State become a central force in Nigeria’s creative industry, but personal interests and lack of structure slowed the momentum,” Bentu stated. “We must now return to the drawing board, reset structures, and develop a sustainable vision that outlives individual tenures and garners government support.”
She recalled Plateau’s history as a fertile ground for nurturing music and artistic talent, citing renowned names like P-Square, 2Baba, and others who had roots or professional ties to the state. Bentu underscored the state’s unique environment, which she said fuels creativity, and advocated for harnessing that potential to create world-class art and entertainment without necessarily relocating to Lagos.
The veteran artist decried the exploitation of the government by individuals who often misrepresent the interests of the creative community. She stressed that PMAN must establish itself as the legitimate voice of musicians on the Plateau and strategically engage with both the Plateau State Government and the State Assembly to institutionalize support for the arts.
PMAN Governor Humphrey Ireogu, in his remarks, celebrated Bentu’s return and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to rebuilding its structure and expanding its influence. “We’re not just here to honor a pioneer, but to reconnect with a visionary. Her return signifies a new chapter for PMAN Plateau,” he said.
The meeting concluded with renewed optimism among stakeholders, with both parties agreeing on the need for a strategic roadmap that will reposition Plateau State as a national leader in creativity, arts, and tourism.
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