Copyright of Recorded Musical Works in the 21st Century Nigeria

Recorded music is an intellectual property protected by laws in nations around the world. The Nigerian state recognises recorded music as an intellectual property, and has integrated some copyright laws into its legal frameworks. This study addresses the general concerns of copyright of recorded musical works in Nigeria, as it affects the musicians in the 21st century. Interview methodology was effectual in eliciting relevant information from respondents who were purposively selected for the study, including notable recording musicians, a music producer and a music marketer/distributor in the Nigerian music industry. Findings reveal that there is a general apathy and constraints to the enforcement of music copyright in Nigeria, phenomena which has significant implications to the music economy of Nigerian musicians. The study concludes that with the dearth of regular review of copyright laws and adequate sensitization of the Nigerian musician and populace on copyright matters, there will continue to be little guarantee for recorded music copyrights in Nigeria. Recommendations were made that all organised bodies of musicians in Nigeria should collectively propose a workable framework to the National Assembly for consideration and possible enactment as laws, ones that contemplate the modern and future realities of the mainstream and surging modes of recorded music distribution and use in Nigeria.