The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has issued a strict warning to Disc Jockeys (DJs) performing music publicly without the required license. The Commission emphasized that DJs who fail to obtain permission from the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN), the approved Collective Management Organization (CMO) for music, risk facing serious legal penalties, including a five-year jail term.
According to a report by The Cable, the NCC stated that playing music at hotels, event centres, clubs, or recreational spaces without proper licensing constitutes public performance and communication of musical works, which are protected under the Copyright Act 2022.
The Commission explained, “Under section 9 and 12 of the Copyright Act 2022, the owner of copyright in a musical work or sound recording has the exclusive right to reproduce, perform or communicate it to the public. Engaging in any of these acts without the owner’s authorization constitutes an infringement under the Act.”
DJs are advised to secure appropriate licenses and pay royalties to the MCSN before performing music publicly. The NCC noted that the Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN) has signed an agreement with MCSN to help DJs comply with royalty payments through a negotiated tariff system.
The Commission warned that enforcement will be strict, stressing that any DJ violating the law will face investigation, arrest, and prosecution.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
