AS the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) joined the creative world to mark the 2024 World Music Day, the Commission has tasked policy makers, industry stakeholders, technological platforms and consumers on the need for improved collaborations to develop solutions that protect the value of music while embracing opportunities offered by digital technology.
This was stated by the Director-General, NCC, Dr. John O. Asein in his keynote address at a Webinar organised by the NCC in collaboration with PurpleBlue Academy of Music Business themed: “The Value of Music in the Digital Era’’ as part of activities to mark the 2024 World Music Day on 21st June 2024.
Commending musicians, songwriters, producers, and stakeholders in the music industry on the occasion of the World Music Day, he noted ‘your creativity and passion enrich our lives and contribute to the cultural tapestry of our nation and the world’. He enjoined all to celebrate the incredible power of music and its ability to connect all.
Dr. Asein, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to the sustainable growth of the music industry, noted that ‘’we are committed to strengthening copyright laws, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, promoting awareness about the importance of respecting copyright and encouraging practitioners in the industry to develop new business models that profitably blends with current reality’’. He stressed on the need to support technological innovations that enhance the transparency and efficiency of royalty distribution, ensuring that creators are fairly compensated for their work.
Pointing out the many challenges presented by the digital era with respect to protection of copyright and equitable recompense for creators and other practitioners in the music value chain, he informed that the NCC is aware of the development and committed to ensuring a balance between the benefits of digital innovation and protection of intellectual property rights. He reiterated the Commission’s mission to create an environment where creativity can flourish and creatives thrive.
The DG-NCC called for a culture of respect and appreciation for the creative process. He maintained that music is not just a product but the result of passion, talent, and hard work. ‘’By valuing and protecting the rights of creators, we encourage the continued growth and diversity of the music industry’’, he added.
Delivering his presentation on The Value of Music in the Digital Era: The Nigerian Perspective, Principal Partner, Alpha-Edge Legal (IP and Commercial Law Firm), Mr. Mike Akpan, discussed on the Impact of digital revolution in the music industry; global music revenue in 2023; Music exploitation challenge in the digital era; Technology trends: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and music; Legal issues of AI in music; Legal responses to AI related copyright issues and future prospects for Nigerian music in the digital space.
Highlighting the impact of AI in the future development of music which has revolutionized the music value chain with vast business opportunities and attendant cost-effective measures, Mr. Akpan called for a balanced approach as technology is leveraged to address ethical consideration and challenges. He admonished that AI should not be used in a way to destroy the industry but to maximise the benefits and address challenges identified in terms of business models, innovations and transparency in managing rights on the digital platforms.
Corroborating the above position, the Webinar Moderator, Chief Curator, PurpleBlue Academy of Music Business (PAMB), Dr. Chinedu Chukwuji, observed that Nigeria is a music production market that needs to be streamlined, in line with global best practices, to become a revenue generating market.
The DG-NCC while appreciating the contributions of stakeholders and participants at the webinar assured that the discussions and solutions proffered will be advanced to ensure that technology, the law and business are kept in check to ensure adequate recompense for creators and growth of the music industry in Nigeria.
Amos Abutu
For: Director-General
