The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has issued a warning to Disc Jockeys (DJs) across the country against the unauthorised public performance of copyrighted music.
Dr John Asein, Director-General of the NCC, gave the warning in an advisory released on Wednesday in Abuja. He noted that the Commission had observed a growing trend in which some DJs perform music publicly without obtaining the necessary copyright licences from rights holders or their authorised Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).
According to Asein, under Sections 9 and 12 of the Copyright Act, 2022, the copyright owner of a musical work or sound recording holds the exclusive right to reproduce, perform, or communicate it to the public.
“Engaging in any of these acts without the proper authorisation from the rights holder amounts to an infringement under the Act,” he said. “Such infringement may constitute a civil wrong or a criminal offence, punishable on conviction under Section 44 (7) by a fine of no less than ₦1 million, a prison term of at least five years, or both.”
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He explained that public performances of music by DJs whether at hotels, event centres, clubs, gardens, or recreational spaces are considered both public performances and communications to the public, as defined by the law.
DJs were therefore advised to obtain the appropriate licences and pay royalties to the recognised Collective Management Organisation before any public performance of copyrighted music.
“For clarity, the approved CMO for musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria is the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN),” Asein stated.
He also noted that the Disc Jockey’s Association of Nigeria (DJAN), the umbrella body representing DJs in the country, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MCSN. Under this agreement, DJAN is authorised to work with MCSN to ensure DJs nationwide comply with copyright regulations, including royalty payments based on a mutually agreed tariff.
The Director-General emphasised that the NCC would not hesitate to investigate, arrest, and prosecute DJs found violating the law. He further disclosed that the Commission would collaborate with other relevant authorities to support DJAN’s initiative and ensure that DJs operate in full compliance with the Copyright Act.
