Play at Your Own Risk: Nigerian DJs Warned Against Public Use of Unlicensed Music Without Authorization

 

Nigerian Copyright Commission Issues Stern Warning to DJs Over Unauthorized Music Use

A strong message has been issued to the Nigerian disc jockey (DJ) community by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), cautioning against the public use of copyrighted music without proper licensing or authorization. This development signals a firm stance by the regulatory body in its effort to safeguard intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry.

Authorities have declared that any DJ found guilty of playing another artist’s work in public spaces—clubs, concerts, or events—without appropriate clearance will face legal repercussions. The penalties are not merely symbolic. Offenders risk a N1 million fine or up to five years in prison, depending on the gravity of the infringement and the ruling of the courts.

The NCC emphasized that intellectual property, especially music, remains one of the most exploited and unprotected creative assets in Nigeria. Despite the global recognition and success of Nigerian musicians across Afrobeat, Highlife, and Hip Hop genres, domestic enforcement of copyright laws has been weak. This latest move aims to change that narrative.

For years, DJs have operated with limited scrutiny, enjoying popularity and business growth by spinning popular tracks at weddings, birthday parties, beach events, and nightclubs. However, many have done so without securing the rights to use the songs in such settings—an act that, under Nigeria’s Copyright Act, constitutes a breach of the law.

Commission officials have pointed out that this warning is not arbitrary. It follows an increase in complaints from artists and record labels, who allege that their work is being used without acknowledgment, payment, or license. Stakeholders argue that this widespread unauthorized usage undermines the creative economy, shortchanges content creators, and fosters a culture of disrespect for intellectual labor.

Rather than abruptly penalizing DJs, the NCC says it is focusing on creating awareness first. A nationwide sensitization campaign is reportedly underway to educate DJs, event organizers, and even venues about the importance of securing copyright licenses. These licenses are typically obtainable through collective management organizations (CMOs), which are authorized to issue rights and collect royalties on behalf of musicians and composers.

Many DJs argue they were unaware of the legal obligations tied to music usage, particularly for public performances. While ignorance of the law offers no legal shield, the Commission recognizes the need for broader dialogue. As such, meetings between DJ associations and copyright authorities have been scheduled in key cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

An NCC representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the era of casual infringement is ending. “We are no longer going to tolerate the open abuse of artistic content. Musicians deserve to earn from their creations just as much as DJs deserve to earn from their work,” the representative said.

Some DJs, however, have expressed concern that the law could be used selectively or may target smaller players while overlooking larger event organizers who may also be culpable. Others see this as an opportunity for the industry to evolve into a more professional and fair ecosystem.

The entertainment industry is undeniably one of Nigeria’s most vibrant economic sectors, contributing significantly to employment, youth engagement, and global cultural exchange. For this reason, stakeholders believe that ensuring copyright compliance will ultimately strengthen the industry’s sustainability and global credibility.

Digital platforms have already transformed how music is accessed and consumed, but public performance—whether at traditional ceremonies or modern concerts—still constitutes a major source of artist revenue. By enforcing these laws, the NCC is signaling that creators must not be excluded from the benefits of their work.

Musicians including several high-profile Afrobeat stars have voiced support for the Commission’s warning. Some argue that royalties are long overdue and that the practice of using their music for profit without permission is tantamount to theft. Several labels have also hinted at taking private legal action against repeated offenders, now that the legal landscape is shifting toward enforcement.

To stay compliant, DJs are being urged to register with CMOs and obtain the necessary licenses before performing in public settings. The process, though seen as bureaucratic by some, is being streamlined according to the Commission.

As the country moves toward a more structured and rights-conscious creative industry, the message from the NCC is unequivocal: public performance of music without a license is not just unfair—it is illegal. Those who ignore this directive do so at great personal and professional risk.