Mavin records artist Divine Ikubor aka Rema tweeted on the 26th of November , 2021 via his official twitter account @heisrema. In the series of tweets , he accused Renowned Nigerian Dj, Dj Neptune of tampering with his intellectual property and releasing his work without his consent ....CONTINUE READING
Rema also stated that despite the fact that the song was produced by A Mavin Records Affiliate Producer, Andre Vibez, he wasn’t paid neither did he sign any legal document or consented to the song release before same was included in Dj Neptune ‘s new album “ Greatness 2.0”.
After careful observation, here a five lessons Nigerian artists should take note of:
1. As a Music Artiste with verses and vocal performances on a song , you have a share of the copyright on the composition and sound recording aspects of the song.
As such you or the label you are signed to have a say in whatever is done with your contributions to the song and nothing should be done without your consent .
2. Artistes must ensure they sign legal documents to protect the intellectual property in their creative works.
In the case of a song you featured in image release and other related documents must also be signed depending on the circumstances.
3. Artists must ensure they do proper background check on any work that is being assigned or licensed to them, to ensure that no copyright has been infringed upon before such work is released.
This is where due diligence comes in as all neccesary documents should be cross checked and all parties involved must be duly communicated.
4. Artists must ensure they speak out once they observed their Intellectual Property rights is infringed upon or likely to be infringed upon. However, it is important that consultation is done with their management or team so as to get hold of the proper facts before making their claims.
5. Hire an Intellectual Property/ Entertainment Lawyer on your side: You can’t fight for Your Rights if you don’t even know these Rights .
Get a lawyer involved in all your contractual dealings and in all aspects of your creative career inorder to avoid exploitation.
