As part of the ongoing Board Election process, the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) has outlined the vacancies available on its General Council (Board) and the representation structure designed to reflect the diversity of Nigeria’s music industry.
This article explains which positions are open, how representation works, and why balanced participation across genres and sectors is essential to effective governance.
Understanding the Vacancies: Representing Your Genre
The General Council of MCSN is structured to ensure that different creative, commercial, and institutional interests within the music ecosystem are fairly represented.
In line with the Society’s Articles of Association, a combination of elected members and nominated representatives will form the Board.
Breakdown of Available Board Positions
1. Composer / Writer Representatives (Four Seats)
Four (4) positions are reserved for composers and writers to ensure representation across Nigeria’s diverse musical landscape.
These seats are intended, as far as practicable, to reflect major and emerging genres, including but not limited to:
Juju
Fuji
Gospel
Hip Hop
Highlife
Reggae
Other recognised music genres
This structure ensures that no single genre dominates policy or decision-making, and that the interests of creators across styles and traditions are reflected at Board level.
2. Publisher Representatives (Two Seats)
Two (2) positions are allocated to music publishers.
Publisher representatives bring a commercial and rights-administration perspective to the Board, contributing expertise in:
Catalogue exploitation
Licensing strategy
Rights management systems
Industry partnerships
This balance between creators and publishers strengthens the quality of governance decisions.
Role of Affiliated Associations and Guilds
In addition to elected seats, representation is also drawn from recognised industry associations with subsisting representation agreements with MCSN.
PMAN Nominations
The Performing Musicians’ Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) is entitled to two (2) nominations to the General Council.
Other Recognised Associations
Other registered or incorporated associations or groups with valid collective management representation agreements may each submit one (1) nomination, in line with approved guidelines.
These nominations ensure that organised industry bodies have a voice in the governance of the Society.
Publication and Ratification Process
All nominations and elected candidates will be:
Published by MCSN following verification
Subject to final election and/or ratification at an Annual or Extraordinary General Meeting
Conducted under procedures communicated in advance to members
This process reinforces transparency, accountability, and institutional legitimacy.
Eligibility & Requirements at a Glance
For Composers:
Must have been a member for at least two years and have a considerable catalogue of published works being “massively exploited” in the media.
For Publishers:
Must have been a member for at least one year and ensure all writers in their catalogue are individually registered with the Society.
Nomination Fees:
Writer/Composer: ₦150,000 (Non-refundable).
Publisher/Association Rep: ₦250,000 (Non-refundable).
Critical Deadline:
All nomination forms must reach the Society’s office at 6, Olaribiro Street, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, 23rd January 2026
Documentation & Constitutional Checklist
Before submitting your nomination, ensure you have the following ready:
The Directors’ Nomination Form: Fully completed and signed.
Dual Sponsorship: Every nomination must be endorsed by two (2) nominators who themselves have been members for at least two years.
Compliance with Article 35: All nominations must align with the Society’s Articles of Association.
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.
