The Nigerian Copyright Commission is pleased to be part of the celebration of this
year’s World Music Day and to felicitate with all musicians, music enthusiasts,
stakeholders and music lovers across the world.
The World Music Day, June 21st, is a day set aside to celebrate the simplicity,
beauty, inclusivity and diversity of music as the most viable tool for uniting
people, bridging cultural diversities and recreating a world where peace, harmony
and understanding thrive. On this day musicians, music enthusiast and
stakeholders come together in unison to perform, share talents and spread joy
through the universal language of melody.
The Day also known as Fete de la Musique, with its origin in Paris, France is an
international event that encourages people from all works and corners of life to
embrace music and its impact on human existence. On this day people are
encouraged to appreciate music and the various minds behind them, attend local
concerts and events, organize musical gatherings, play instruments, discover new
sounds and talents, share musical talents, dance and sing together and make
merry.
Today, we pay tribute to Nigerian’s diverse musical legends, whose works are
enjoyed globally. We honour the talents, creativities, and dedication of our
musicians and industry professionals who have continued to enrich our lives with
their art. We celebrate the various stakeholders in the music value chain and
acknowledge their contributions to promoting a vibrant industry that connects
creators, right owners and the public.
We salute Nigeria’s musical icons transcending generations: Fela Anikulapo Kuti,
Osita Osadebey, Bongos Ikwue, Onyeka Onwenu, Oliver de Coque, Dan Maraya
Jos; Orits Wiliki, Sony Neji, Bright Chimezie, Tony Okoroji, Shina Peters; Tuface
Idibia, Dbanj, Omawumi; Whizkid, Davido, PeeSquare, Tech, Kiss Daniel, Flavour.
The list is endless.
As the government agency responsible for the administration, enlightenment,
enforcement and protection of Copyright in Nigerian, this day holds special
significance for the NCC as music, a copyright-protected work, takes center stage
in this celebration, highlighting the need for attention to its creation, exploitation
and protection. This includes ensuring proper use, respect for and compensation
for the intellectual investment that goes into music production.
Despite the Nigerian music industry’s significant contribution annually to the
nation’s revenue both locally and internationally, a substantial amount remains
unaccounted for, lost to piracy, other copyright infringements, and unlawful
practices online and offline. As we celebrate music’s unifying power, we must
recognize the importance of copyright protection and anti-piracy measures in
safeguarding our musical heritage and economic resource base. Therefore, the
Commission calls on everyone to join in plugging the revenue leakages and
ensuring that music becomes a flourishing resource to its creators and all
stakeholders.
The Commission will continue to support approved Collecting Management
Organisations (CMOs), like the Musical Copyright Society of Nigerian (MCSN) and
insist on reasonable tariffs, good governance and accountability, fair distribution
of royalties to right owners, transparency, efficient management and respect for
the law. We acknowledge genuine practitioners and Associations like the Deejays
Association of Nigeria (DJAN) who have shown commitment to collaborating with
the Commission to foster a harmonious partnership with all stakeholders in the
music industry for the growth and progress of all.
The Commission will be working with relevant stakeholders to update the
Copyright (CMO) Regulations 2007 and formulate policies to tackle emerging
issues, complexities and harmonize them with present realities and global
benchmarks. With the stiffer penalties provided by the present Copyright Act
2022, the Commission in the days ahead will intensify the clamp down on pirates
and other copyright infringers; officers will be conducting inspections and
enforcement on public facilities, event centers and places were music is used, to
ensure that they comply with the rules of engagement. Copyright online
inspectors will also be on alert to take down infringing contents and prosecute
infringers.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission remains committed to protecting the
Intellectual Property (IP) rights of creators, ensuring that their innovative works
are rewarded and respected. Let us continue to work together to build a thriving
music industry that benefits all stakeholders and showcases Nigeria's rich cultural
heritage to the world.
Happy 2024 World Music Day to all Musicians, Producers, Music enthusiasts and
all lovers of music!
Dr. John O. Asein
Director-General
