Veteran music artist and Managing Director/CEO of Tapshak Entertainment, Dorcas Bentu, has called for a renewed synergy among artists and entertainment stakeholders to reposition Plateau State as a hub for creative excellence in Nigeria.
Bentu made this call while receiving members of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Plateau State chapter, who paid her a courtesy visit and officially decorated her as a patron of the association.
The delegation was led by PMAN Plateau State Governor, Comrade Ambassador Humphrey Ireogu, popularly known as Color. The visit marked her formal re-endorsement as a key stakeholder and founding member of the Plateau chapter of PMAN.
In her remarks, Bentu expressed appreciation for the recognition and recounted the early days of the association, which she helped establish alongside other pioneers. She lamented the setbacks that plagued PMAN Plateau in the past, attributing the stagnation to personal interests that overshadowed collective goals.
“Plateau is blessed with immense creative talent. From music to film and stage, the state has been a major contributor to Nigeria’s entertainment landscape,” she said. “However, we need strategic coordination, a unified vision, and a strong voice to effectively engage the government and reposition the industry.”
Bentu emphasized the importance of visionary leadership and institutional continuity within PMAN, noting that leadership should be about legacy, not longevity. She challenged the current leadership to create structures that outlive individuals and called for a visionary roadmap that the government can partner with and support.
Referencing her past discussions with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, she revealed the governor’s willingness to support credible and well-articulated creative initiatives. “The governor has made it clear that any idea capable of transforming the creative industry will receive government backing. But we must present a united and strategic front,” she added.
Bentu also criticized the trend of individuals exploiting government funds for personal gain, sidelining genuine creative efforts. She stressed the need for official recognition of PMAN as the legitimate voice of the music and creative sector, urging the association to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality to align efforts for greater impact.
Highlighting her company’s long-standing contribution through the annual Christmas Village event, Bentu pointed to the need for PMAN to be visibly involved in such state-led creative ventures, ensuring that musicians and creatives are truly represented.
Earlier, PMAN State Governor Humphrey Ireogu praised Bentu’s contributions and reaffirmed her status as a founding member and pillar of the association. “This is a homecoming and a reunion with one of our own. We are glad to officially welcome you back to PMAN Plateau as a patron and stakeholder,” he said.
In her concluding remarks, Bentu pledged her commitment to supporting PMAN and called for a stakeholders’ forum to brainstorm and develop a clear, inclusive vision for the industry. She urged leaders and members alike to embrace transparency, innovation, and collaboration to elevate Plateau’s entertainment sector to national and global prominence.