The Nigerian Copyright Commission has issued a stark warning to disc jockeys: playing other people's music publicly without proper licensing constitutes copyright infringement. DJs performing at hotels, clubs, event centres, and recreational facilities must obtain licenses through the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) or face prosecution. The message is clear—every mix costs money, and the era of playing music without compensating creators is ending.
Copyright enforcement in Nigeria's entertainment industry signals a shift toward protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring creators receive compensation for their work.
Key Takeaways:
- Copyright warning issued to DJs performing music publicly without proper licensing or authorisation
- Legal consequences include fines of at least ₦1 million, five years imprisonment, or both for violations
- Licensing requirement through the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) for all public music performances
- Industry partnership between the Disc Jockeys Association of Nigeria (DJAN) and MCSN to facilitate royalty payments
- Enforcement promise with NCC threatening investigation, arrest, and prosecution of non-compliant DJs
Every mix costs money because creative work deserves compensation, regardless of how widely it's already circulated. The NCC's warning signals Nigeria's entertainment industry maturing toward international standards where intellectual property rights are protected and creators are fairly compensated for their artistic contributions.
