…as the body prepares to commence copyright levy disbursement

By Benjamin Njoku

The Performing Musicians’ Employers’ Association of Nigeria, PMAN, is urging its members to ignore propaganda and focus on updating their database for the Copyright Levy disbursement.

The association gave the advice against the backdrop of commencing a nationwide update of its database as part of preparations for the disbursement of the levy to eligible members.

The levy, worth ₦1.21 billion, has been received by the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria,MCSN, and is expected to benefit Nigerian musicians. However, there’s a dispute between PMAN and the Record Label Proprietors Initiative, ReLPI, over the disbursement process.

ReLPI argues that MCSN lacks the mandate to represent their members’ interests, while MCSN claims to have a subsisting agreement with PMAN to manage copyright interests.

The Federal Government has signaled its commitment to valuing Nigeria’s creative economy, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration implementing the Copyright Act 2022.
Addressing the press during the week, PMAN President, Mr Pretty Okafor warned that anyone telling musicians not to verify is not protecting musicians; instead they are attempting to deny them access to what is lawfully meant to benefit creators and performers.
This clarification, according to Mr Okafor, is significant because it puts to rest the misinformation being circulated by certain individuals who have attempted to present themselves to stakeholders as what they are not.
He noted that MCSN is approaching the matter professionally and transparently, and that it recognises the importance of engaging PMAN’s legitimate leadership structure in a manner consistent with the subsisting court order.
“PMAN is aware that letters and content have been circulated to create confusion and to discourage musicians from participating in the Copy Levy Beneficiary Verification. Members should understand that this type of deception is not only harmful to PMAN as an institution-it is directly harmful to musicians, because it is aimed at preventing eligible performers from being properly captured, verified, and considered for benefits.
“PMAN therefore renews its call: all performing musicians should complete the Copy Levy Beneficiary Verification immediately, submit accurate details, and ensure they can be contacted for any necessary clarification,” Okafor said.
Speaking further, PMAN President noted that the verification drive follows the sustained efforts and leadership of the body, in protecting the rights and welfare of performing musicians nationwide.
According to the association, updating the database is critical to guaranteeing that musicians who are entitled to benefit from the first tranche of the Copyright Levy are properly identified.
Members have been advised to submit accurate personal and professional information, including their state and local government area, valid means of identification, proof of musical work and bank account details where applicable.
PMAN warned that false information or multiple submissions would lead to automatic disqualification.
The association also emphasised that the verification process is completely free, cautioning members not to pay any individual or group in the course of registration.
Eligible musicians have been urged to complete the verification promptly via the official registration link, while those requiring assistance can contact PMAN through its dedicated support email.