Afrobeats licensing challenge is affecting Nollywood as filmmakers struggle to secure rights to popular songs, Dami Twitch says

Music video director and filmmaker Dami Twitch has said Nollywood producers can no longer freely use Afrobeats songs in films without obtaining proper licences, citing the growing influence of international publishing agreements signed by many Nigerian artists.

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Speaking during a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, Twitch explained that the evolving music rights landscape has created significant hurdles for independent filmmakers seeking to incorporate popular Afrobeats tracks into their productions.

According to the filmmaker, many Nigerian artists have signed publishing deals with foreign companies that now control how their music can be used commercially, including in films and television projects.

The Afrobeats Licensing Challenge, he said, has altered the long-standing relationship between two of Nigeria’s most influential creative industries.

“Nollywood producers can’t freely use Afrobeats songs in movies anymore. Some artists have already sold their music rights, so adding their songs to films becomes difficult,” Twitch said.

He noted that even personal relationships with musicians are no longer enough to secure permission for the use of certain songs because contractual obligations often place control of those rights in the hands of publishing companies.

“Even if the artist is my friend, they can’t give me permission to use their song freely because they have already entered a contract. That is a major challenge in the movie industry,” he added.

Twitch argued that the cost of obtaining music licences has become prohibitive for many filmmakers, particularly independent producers who operate without the backing of major studios or external investors.

He said only projects supported by substantial funding are increasingly able to afford the legal clearances required to feature high-profile Afrobeats records.

“The collaboration between Nollywood and Afrobeats is at a very weird place right now. A lot of producers can’t afford putting Afrobeats songs in their movies unless a big studio or investor supports them,” he said.

The filmmaker stressed that most Nigerian movie producers work independently and often lack the financial resources needed to secure expensive music rights.

His comments highlight a growing debate within Nigeria’s entertainment industry as both Afrobeats and Nollywood continue to expand their global reach and commercial value.

While international publishing agreements have helped many artists maximise earnings from their music catalogues, filmmakers argue that the increased licensing costs could limit creative collaboration between the two sectors.

Industry observers say the challenge may encourage greater use of original film scores, emerging musicians and bespoke soundtracks as producers seek cost-effective alternatives.

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As Nollywood continues its rapid growth and Afrobeats strengthens its global influence, stakeholders are likely to face increasing pressure to find sustainable ways to balance intellectual property protection with creative collaboration.