Legal Framework for Music Licensing and Protection of Creatives in the Nigerian Music Industry

Abstract

Nigeria is richly endowed with creative talents. So far, there is an increased reward for creativity in different dimensions especially the entertainment industry. This factor is necessitated by the fact that various nations of the world have come to realize the socioeconomic benefit of the industry and the internet has been the key driver of this emerging market. However, there is a problem of, “Creatives” having inadequate knowledge and understanding of the laws that protect them and their intellectual property in the Entertainment Industry allow them settle for less and get ripped off by other entertainment stakeholders like record labels and management companies. This article will examine the intricacies of music licensing in the Nigeria music industry as well as the laws that protect “Creatives”. The Aim of this article is to review the applicable laws relevant to the protection of the Intellectual Property of “Creatives” in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry and their impact on the Nigerian Entertainment Industry. In pursuit of the above, this study is an expository legal research that utilises the primary and secondary sources of law in order to properly educate “Creatives” and Stake Holders” on the legal framework of Creatives in the Entertainment Industry.

Keywords: Creatives, Music Licensing, Intellectual Property, Entertainment Law, Record Label