The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to disc jockeys (DJs) across the country, cautioning them against playing music publicly without obtaining the necessary licenses.

In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, NCC Director-General John Asein highlighted the increasing trend of DJs performing at public events without proper copyright authorization from the relevant collective management organizations (CMOs).

Citing sections 9 and 12 of the Copyright Act, 2022, Asein explained that only the copyright holder has the exclusive rights to reproduce, perform, or publicly communicate a musical work or sound recording.

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“Engaging in any of these acts without the owner’s authorisation constitutes an infringement under the Act,” he stated.
“Such infringement may constitute a civil wrong or a criminal offence under section 44 (7), punishable upon conviction by a fine of not less than N1 million or imprisonment for a term of not less than five years or to both.”

Asein stressed that DJs must obtain proper licenses and pay the necessary royalties before playing music publicly. He also made it clear that the NCC would not hesitate to apprehend and prosecute violators.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the approved CMO for musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria is the Musical Copyright Society, Nigeria (MCSN),” he said.

He further noted that the Disc Jockey’s Association of Nigeria (DJAN), the official umbrella body for DJs in the country, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MCSN.

“Under the arrangement, DJAN is authorised to work with MCSN to facilitate the payment of royalties by DJs nationwide, based on the tariff that DJAN had negotiated with MCSN,” Asein added.

The NCC’s move aims to reinforce copyright laws and protect the rights of creators and copyright holders in Nigeria’s music industry.

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