Nigerian gospel music star, Pastor Dunsin Oyekan, has expressed frustration over the illegal upload of his song “Code of Worship” on digital platforms.
In a post shared on his X account, Oyekan revealed that despite releasing the track in 2022 as part of his album The Glory Experience, someone had recently re-uploaded the song to various platforms without his consent.
In his post, the singer urgently appealed to his followers, saying, “My X folks, I need you to help report and bring down a criminal and illegal upload on all digital platforms. Someone released CODE OF WORSHIP again. I released it on THE GLORY EXPERIENCE album in 2022. Please wherever you find it, report immediately. Thanks.”
Oyekan labelled the re-upload as “criminal and illegal,” urging his listeners to take swift action in reporting the violation.
This complaint from Oyekan highlights a growing issue within the Nigerian music industry, with copyright infringement affecting not only secular music but also the gospel genre. Over the years, illegal uploads have plagued artists, particularly those whose works were released prior to the rise of digital streaming platforms.
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Although Nigeria’s Copyright Act is designed to protect intellectual property, its implementation has faced numerous challenges, including lengthy court procedures that often discourage musicians from pursuing legal action. One notorious example is the case of King Sunny Ade vs African Songs Limited, which spanned three decades in court.
However, digital streaming platforms have provided some relief by offering a “take-down” option, allowing artists and rights holders to swiftly address illegal uploads, unlicensed samples, and other copyright infringements. This system has streamlined the process of protecting music from unauthorized distribution, offering a lifeline to musicians facing these issues.
Dunsin Oyekan’s call to action serves as a reminder of the persistent battle against piracy and the need for stronger enforcement of intellectual property laws in the digital age.
