DJs Playing Music Without License Risk 5-Year Jail Term – NCC Warns

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to disc jockeys (DJs) across the country, cautioning that playing music publicly without a valid copyright license could lead to a fine of at least ₦1 million or a jail term of up to five years.

According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the warning was delivered in Abuja through an advisory signed by NCC Director-General, John Asein.

The NCC said it had observed an increasing trend of DJs playing copyrighted music in public venues without obtaining licenses from the appropriate collective management organisations (CMOs), which is a clear violation of Nigeria’s copyright laws.

“Under sections 9 and 12 of the Copyright Act, 2022, only the copyright owner of a musical work or sound recording has the exclusive right to reproduce, perform, or communicate it to the public,” Asein explained.

He stressed that unauthorized public performances amount to copyright infringement, which is punishable under section 44(7) of the Act by a fine not less than ₦1 million, imprisonment for at least five years, or both.

The Commission advised DJs to ensure they obtain necessary licenses and remit royalties through the approved CMO—Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN)—before performing any music publicly.

“For clarity, the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) is the only approved CMO for musical works and sound recordings in Nigeria,” Asein stated.

He further revealed that the Disc Jockey’s Association of Nigeria (DJAN), which represents DJs nationwide, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MCSN. This agreement allows DJAN to work with MCSN to simplify royalty payments using a negotiated tariff.

The NCC warned that enforcement actions—including arrest and prosecution—will be taken against violators as part of its broader mission to protect creative rights and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s copyright laws.