On the 4th of June 2024, The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) recently made headlines with a public warning to Disc Jockey (DJs) across the country: “stop performing other people’s music publicly without a license — or face serious consequences” DJs found guilty may be fined up to ₦1 million or imprisoned for up to 5 years.
This announcement has sparked conversations in the entertainment and legal sectors alike. Is this fair? Is it a new law? And most importantly, what should DJs and event organizers know to stay on the right side of the law?
This is not a new law. The warning is based on existing provisions of the Copyright Act, 2022.Under this Act, music creators (including artists, producers, and composers) hold exclusive rights over their works, including the right to control how their music is performed publicly. In fact, Sections 9, 12, and Specifically, Section 44(7) of the Copyright Act stipulates that such infringement may result in a fine of not less than ₦1 million, imprisonment for a term of not less than five years, or both spell out that anyone who uses copyrighted work publicly without permission is committing an infringement and such an offense carries both civil and criminal penalties.
So when a DJ plays someone else’s music at a club, lounge, wedding, or on radio without properauthorization, it is technically a copyright violation.
From a legal perspective this enforcement is fair and here’s why:
Just like landlords are entitled to rent, music creators are entitled to royalties when their works are commercially used. DJs, especially professional ones, benefit from playing copyrighted songs that attract crowds, clients, and income. It’s only fair that the original creators also benefit from that value.
This is standard practice globally — in countries like the United Kingdom(UK),United States of America (USA), and South Africa, public performance of music requires proper licensing.
However, from a practical and implementation point of view, many DJs in Nigeria are not aware of these requirements. Some work at small events or in informal settings, and may not have been adequately educated or supported to obtain licenses.
To comply with the law and protect themselves:
- Obtain a Performance License
- DJs should register with a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) like the Musical
Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN), which issues licenses on behalf of music copyright owners.
- Join a DJ Association, groups like the Disc Jockey Association of Nigeria (DJAN) can offer collective licensing options and legal protection for their members.
- Event Organizers Must Also Comply.
- Venue owners and event planners have a duty to ensure that performances at their events
are licensed, the responsibility does not rest on the DJ alone.
- Seek Legal Advice if Unsure
While enforcement is important, it should be balanced with education and accessibility. Many upcoming DJs operate in an informal economy and may be unaware of the licensing process. A nationwide awareness campaign, combined with a simplified and affordable licensing system, will go a long way in achieving compliance without stifling creativity. Copyright enforcement is not about silencing DJs, it’s about protecting the rights of music creators who rely on royalties to survive. If DJs, event organizers, and the creative industry come together with regulators to create a fair and transparent system, everyone benefits.
