In 1970, some famous musicians in Nigeria who intent to unify the music profession, distincted as two notable groups namely National Music Council of Nigeria(NMCN) and National Union of Nigerian Musicians(NUNM) In 1982, another round of well-known musicians led by Christy Essien Igbokwe, King Sunny Ade, Sunny Okosun and more visited the former President of Nigeria, Ahlaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, GCFR, Turakin Sakkwato or Turakin Sokoto, requesting government engagement with the music industry. On this drive, the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria(PMAN) was established in 1984, founded by Christy Essien Igbokwe and Sunny Okosun. PMAN was established at the national level as the recognized association advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian performing musicians.
The Rivers State Chapter was inaugurated to represent local musicians, producers, and entertainment professionals across Port Harcourt and beyond. Over the years, PMAN has continued to grow into one of Nigeria`s most recognized entertainment associations, bringing together artists, producers, DJs, managers, instrumentalists, promoters, and other creative stakeholders under one umbrella. The association has contributed significantly to talent discovery, artist development, entertainment advocacy, cultural promotion, and the advancement of the Nigerian music industry both locally and internationally.
The establishment of PMAN marked a major turning point in the history of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. It created a unified platform where musicians and entertainment professionals could collectively promote their interests, protect their creative rights, and strengthen the structure of the music profession across the country. PMAN emerged as a voice for musicians at a time when the entertainment industry was rapidly evolving and artists needed organized representation, welfare support, and professional recognition. Membership categories expanded to include DJs, artist managers, songwriters, record labels, promoters, and music educators.
Launch of the official PMAN Rivers State Chapter portal - bringing online registration, member services, and transparent governance. The platform provides a modern ecosystem where musicians can conveniently register for membership, update their profiles, access exclusive opportunities, and stay connected with the Association from anywhere. Beyond membership services, the platform features dedicated Vendor and Sponsors/Partners Portals, creating a seamless environment for collaboration within the creative industry.