Nigerian Copyright Commission Issues Stern Warning To DJs Over Unlicensed Music Performances.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to disc jockeys (DJs) across the country, cautioning them against performing other people’s music in public without proper licences or the authorisation of copyright owners. The announcement, made on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, underscores the commission’s commitment to enforcing the Copyright Act 2022 and tackling widespread copyright infringement in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.
Dr John Asein, Director-General of the NCC, delivered the advisory in a statement from Abuja, highlighting that the commission had observed a troubling trend of DJs publicly playing musical works and sound recordings without obtaining the requisite permissions. “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,” Dr Asein explained. “Engaging in any of these acts without the owner’s authorisation constitutes an infringement under the Act.”
The consequences for non-compliance are severe. The NCC warned that any DJ found guilty of such infringement faces a fine of not less than ₦1 million, imprisonment for a term of up to five years, or both, as stipulated under section 44(7) of the Act. “The public performance of music by a DJ, whether at hotels, event centres, clubs, gardens, or recreational facilities, constitutes both a public performance and a communication to the public,” Dr Asein stressed, urging DJs to take the law seriously.
To facilitate compliance, the NCC advised DJs to obtain appropriate licences and pay royalties to the approved Collective Management Organisation (CMO) before performing copyrighted works. “For the avoidance of doubt, the approved CMO for musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria is the Musical Copyright Society, Nigeria (MCSN),” the statement clarified. The commission noted a positive step forward, highlighting that the Disc Jockey’s Association of Nigeria (DJAN), the umbrella body representing DJs nationwide, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with MCSN. This arrangement authorises DJAN to work with MCSN to streamline royalty payments based on a negotiated tariff.
Dr Asein emphasised that the NCC would not hesitate to act decisively against violators. “The commission will investigate, arrest, and prosecute any DJ found to be in contravention of the law,” he declared. Moving forward, the NCC pledged to collaborate with other relevant authorities to support DJAN’s initiative, ensuring that DJs conduct their trade in full compliance with the Copyright Act.
This crackdown comes amid growing concerns about copyright infringement in Nigeria’s booming music industry, where Afrobeats and other genres have gained global acclaim. The NCC’s action aims to protect the rights of songwriters, composers, performers, and producers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their creative works. As the commission intensifies its enforcement efforts, DJs across Nigeria are urged to secure proper licences, respect intellectual property, and contribute to a sustainable music ecosystem.
