The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has cautioned Disc Jockeys (DJs) across the country against publicly performing music without obtaining the proper licenses or authorization from the copyright holders
DG NCC, Dr. John Asein gave the warning at an official advisory meeting on Wednesday.
Dr. Asein stated that the commission focus has been captured by the performance of some DJs who publicly play music at events without securing the necessary copyright licenses from the right owners or their approved collective management organization (CMOs).
He emphasized that under section 9 and 12 of the copyright act, 2022, the owners of the copyright in a musical work or sound recording has the exclusive right to reproduce, perform or communicate their work to the public.
‘engaging in any of these acts without the proper/owners authorization constitutes an infringement under the act’. Asein stated. ‘such infringement may amount to a civil wrong or a criminal offense under section 44 (7) punishable upon conviction by a fine of not less than one million naira, imprisonment for a term of not less than five years or both.
He urged DJs to obtain appropriate licenses and pay royalties to the approved CMOs before any public performance. ‘ for the avoidance of doubt, the approved CMOs for musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria is the Musical copyright society of Nigeria (MCSN). He said.
He further disclosed that the DJs association of nigeria (DJAN), the umbrella body representing DJs nationwide, has signed a MOU with MCSN. Under this agreement, DJAN is authorized to work with MCSN to facilitate royalty payments by DJs based on an agreed tariff.
The NCC DG warned that the commission would not hesitate to investigate, arrest and prosecute any DJ found violating the provisions of the copyright act.
He further stated that ‘the commission is willing to collaborate with relevant authorities to support DJANs efforts and ensure full compliance with the laws by DJs across the country.