The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to Nigerian Disc Jockeys (DJs) against playing music without obtaining proper licenses, stating that such actions could attract severe penalties including imprisonment.
In an advisory released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) Director-General, Dr. John Asein, emphasized that DJs could face up to five years imprisonment or a fine of N1 million for playing songs without securing the necessary copyright licenses from rights holders or their approved Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).
Legal Basis for the Warning
"Under sections 9 & 12 of the 2022 Copyright Act, the owner of copyright in musical work has the exclusive right to perform, reproduce, or communicate it to the public," Dr. Asein explained in the statement.
The Commission clarified that public performance of music by DJs at various venues such as event centers, hotels, clubs, gardens, or recreational facilities constitutes both a public performance and communication to the public. When done without proper authorization, such acts amount to copyright infringement under the Act.
Potential Consequences
According to the NCC, such infringement may constitute a civil wrong or criminal offense under section 44 (7) of the Copyright Act, which is "punishable upon conviction by a fine of N1 million or five years jail term or both."
This warning comes as part of the government's efforts to protect intellectual property rights in Nigeria's growing entertainment industry and ensure that creators receive due compensation for their work.
The directive is expected to significantly impact Nigeria's vibrant nightlife and event industry, where DJs play a crucial role in entertainment. Industry stakeholders are advised to familiarize themselves with the copyright requirements to avoid running afoul of the law.
