The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (LTD/GTE) is pleased to announce that the 2023 Royalty Distribution Scheme has been officially concluded. Notifications have been sent out to members regarding their final allocations for the year ended 31 December 2023.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to ensuring Nigerian music creators, composers, songwriters, and publishers receive fair compensation for their creative works.
Overview of the MCSN 2023 Royalty Distribution
The MCSN 2023 Royalty Distribution covered income generated from licensed public performances, broadcasts, and other authorised uses of musical works administered by the society during the 2023 accounting period.
All distributions were conducted strictly in accordance with MCSN’s approved governance framework and distribution rules. Payments were calculated using verified usage data, properly registered works, and eligible rightsholders’ information to ensure transparency and fairness.
Drop in Royalty Collections: A Major Concern
Despite the successful distribution, MCSN faces a significant challenge: a noticeable drop in overall royalty collection for the 2023 period. This decline stems primarily from music users failing to respond to invoices issued by the society.
This non-responsiveness from licensed entities directly impacts the pool of funds available for distribution to creators and rights holders. When broadcasters, event organizers, hotels, restaurants, and other music users delay or avoid payment for their licensed use of musical works, the entire ecosystem of Nigerian music creators suffers.
The situation highlights a critical gap in enforcement and compliance within Nigeria’s music licensing framework. While MCSN continues to license music users across various sectors, the collection of these licensing fees remains a persistent challenge that undermines the society’s ability to fairly compensate its members.
Why Member Participation Matters More Than Ever
To strengthen future royalty distributions, MCSN urges members to actively participate in the collective rights management process. Proper documentation ensures that once royalties are collected, payments can be accurately allocated without delays.
Members are strongly advised to:
Properly register all musical works and sound recordings
Ensure accurate metadata (song titles, contributors, ownership splits)
Keep banking and personal information updated
Engage only with licensed venues, broadcasters, DJs, and events
Active participation directly improves the efficiency and accuracy of future royalty distributions.
What Members Should Expect: 2024 Royalty Distribution
Looking ahead, MCSN has confirmed that the 2024 royalty distribution will be processed in the coming weeks, before the end of 2025.
Despite ongoing collection challenges, MCSN remains committed to maintaining consistent distribution cycles. The 2024 distribution will follow established procedures, relying on verified usage data and properly registered works.
Support and Member Assistance
MCSN continues to work actively to protect the economic interests of Nigerian creators. Members are reminded that licensing compliance, accurate data, and collective cooperation are essential to building a stronger and more sustainable royalty ecosystem.
Any member or affiliate requiring clarification regarding the 2023 distribution or guidance on work registration should contact MCSN through official communication channels.
Become a Member of MCSN
Joining MCSN is the most important step toward earning performance royalties. Membership authorises MCSN to license, collect, and distribute royalties for your musical works and sound recordings.
Register Your Works
Once registered as a member, ensure that all compositions and recordings are properly submitted. Accurate work registration enables MCSN to track usage and distribute royalties correctly.
