AN APPRAISAL OF NIGERIAN COPYRIGHT LAWS AS IT RELATES TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Abstract

This research scrutinizes the laws that have been put in place to enable the music industry in Nigeria. It examines the effectiveness of the copyright laws of Nigeria as it relates to the music industry. This study focuses on the relevance of the laws to the industry, the inadequacies of the law, and the challenges militating against its effectiveness. Using ethnomusicological approach, and the qualitative research method, the study sources her primary data using both structured and unstructured interview techniques. Secondary data are collated using library sources and existing literature. Special attention is given to the history and development copyright law in Nigeria from precolonial era till date, the several amendments of the law and the trend in the global music industry. Findings reveal inadequacy of the law and gross incompetence in the areas of laws implementation. It recommends a review of the existing law to take cognizance of development in the industry and for it to be in the interest of all the practitioners and stakeholder. It also recommends a more commitment from the government agencies in charge of regulation and implementation of the law.