Nigerian Copyright Commission Warns Deejays Against Unlicensed Public Music Performances

DJ

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to all Disc Jockeys (Deejays) operating within the country, stating that it will begin full enforcement of the Copyright Act against those who perform musical works publicly without proper authorisation.

In an official letter signed by its Director General, Dr. John Asein, the NCC noted a growing trend where Deejays engage in public music performances without securing the required copyright licences from rightsholders or their approved Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).

Citing Sections 9 and 12 of the Copyright Act, 2022, the Commission reiterated that the copyright owner of a musical work or sound recording possesses exclusive rights to reproduce, perform, or communicate the work to the public. Performing such works without authorisation is considered an infringement under the law.

The Commission stated that such infringements may result in civil or criminal liability, noting that under Section 44(7) of the Act, violators may face penalties including a fine not less than ₦1,000,000 or imprisonment for a minimum of five years, or both.

It emphasized that public music performances by Deejays at venues such as hotels, event centres, clubs, gardens, or other recreational spaces qualify both as public performances and public communications under the Act. As such, Deejays are now formally advised to obtain valid licences and pay royalties through an approved CMO before engaging in any public performance.

The NCC identified the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (Ltd./Gte.) (MCSN) as the only approved Collective Management Organisation for musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria.

The Commission also acknowledged the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN) and MCSN. This agreement authorises DJAN to collaborate with MCSN to streamline royalty payments by Deejays nationwide, based on a negotiated tariff.

Reaffirming its commitment to enforcement, the Commission warned that it will investigate, arrest, and prosecute any Deejay found violating the copyright law. It further announced plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to support DJAN’s efforts in ensuring Deejays operate within the boundaries of the Copyright Act.