NCC cracks down on DJs over copyright violations, issues 5-year jail threat

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has warned that henceforth, the full weight of the law will be invoked on any Disc Jockey (Deejay) who publicly performs a musical work without the requisite authorisation.

The NCC, in a warning letter signed by its Director General, Dr. John Asein, said it has noticed the practice of some Disc Jockeys (Deejays) who publicly perform music without obtaining the requisite copyright licences from rightsholders or their approved Collective Management Organisations (CMOs).

It said under sections 9 and 12 of the Copyright Act, 2022, the owner of copyright in a musical work or sound recording has the exclusive right to reproduce, perform, or communicate it to the public.

“Engaging in any of these acts without the owner’s authorisation constitutes an infringement under the Act,” NCC said, adding, “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 ₦1,000,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of not less than five years or to both.”

Accordingly, Deejays are hereby advised to obtain appropriate licences and pay royalties to the approved Collective Management Organisation (CMO) prior to engaging in such performances,” NCC said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the approved CMO for musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria is the Musical Copyright Society, Nigeria (Ltd./Gte.) (MCSN).”

“The Commission will not hesitate to investigate, arrest, and prosecute any Deejay found to be in contravention of the law. To this end, the Commission will be working with other relevant authorities to support the initiative of DJAN to ensure that Deejays carry out their trade in compliance with the Copyright Act,” NCC noted.