Heritage Bank launches biometric ID for musicians

Heritage Bank Plc has launched an exclusive biometric identity card for members of the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN).

The product, the bank said, is driven by key features such as accessibility, security, trust, convenience and cost effectiveness.

In a statement, the bank said the PMAN Membership Biometric Identity Card (PMBIC), a multipurpose card was designed for artistes and allied operators in the entertainment industry.

The scheme, it said, attests to Heritage Bank’s innovativeness, and is renewable annually. “The PMBIC will serve as the official PMAN identification card that qualifies the holder as a genuine member of the association and entitles the artiste to enjoy the myriad benefits and privileges due to registered members,” it said.

According to the lender, the scheme was meant to create a robust and protective platform for all Nigerian singers, back-up singers, instrumentalists, dancers, comedians, script writers, film producers, actors and actresses, distributors, marketers, Disc Jockeys (DJs) and artiste managers among others.

“It is to globally authenticate each artiste’s involvement in the Nigerian music and entertainment industry. It also offers members the opportunity to encode and barcode their works and intellectual property through the Global System One (GSI), to prevent un-authorised duplications or usage. It further guarantees payment of royalties through the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS),” it said.

“The scheme additionally qualifies each member and four members of their family for a special annual renewable health insurance package; personal and accident insurance scheme worth N5,000,000; hassle-free access to embassies and high commissions in Nigeria for visa services and pension plan for aged and retired members to the tune of N100,000 monthly and access to PMAN legal services for local and international contract reviews and personal matters.”