In the initial segment of this series, we delved into the concept of distribution, which serves as the vital link that connects your music with listeners globally. However, the discussion naturally leads to crucial questions that arise once your song begins to gain traction and streams. Who is responsible for collecting the money generated from your music? Who holds the ownership rights to the song?
This brings us to the next important aspect of the music industry: royalties and copyright.
Let’s Start with Copyright.
When you create a song, whether by writing lyrics, composing a melody, or recording vocals, you automatically hold the copyright to that work, akin to a “birth certificate” for your creation. However, owning the copyright is not the same as protecting it.
In Nigeria, it’s advisable to officially register your copyright with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). This registration simplifies the process of proving ownership in the event that someone attempts to use your music without your consent.
Copyright covers two main things:
1. Composition rights – This is all about the lyrics and melody, which typically belong to the songwriter or composer.
2. Sound recording rights (Masters) – This is the actual recorded version of the song, usually owned by the artist, producer, or record label.
Things can get a bit tricky when it comes to collaborations. Maybe the producer made the beat, a friend helped out with the hook, and your church choir did the backing vocals. That’s why it’s super important to sort out who owns what before releasing the song.
So what are Royalties?
Royalties are the payments artists earn when their music is used, played, or streamed, and understanding the different types is crucial for tracking potential income.
Types of Royalties.
Mechanical royalties are generated when a song is reproduced, whether streamed, downloaded, or sold physically, with platforms like Spotify and Apple Music being primary sources.
Performance royalties come into play when music is performed publicly, including on radio, television, during live shows, or in public spaces.
Synchronization royalties, or sync royalties, are earned when music is used in visual media such as films, commercials, or video games.
Lastly, neighboring rights refer to payments made to performers and producers for the recording of the song, distinct from songwriting royalties.
How to Secure Your Music.
Register your works with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
Join a performing rights organization like COSON or MCSN.
Distribute your music through verified distributors (DistroKid, Boomplay, ONErpm, etc.).
Use publishing platforms like Songtrust or BMI if you have international listeners.
Track your royalties regularly — most distributors have dashboards for this.
Don’t skip contracts — even if you’re working with friends, put it in writing.
