How Performing Rights Organisations (CMOs) protect works of their members around the world has come to light.
The revelation came from a roundtable discussion organised by the Music Business Academy and SACEM in Lagos on November 11, 2024.
At the event, a panel of discussants comprising of Godwin Tom, Managing Director at Sony Publishing West Africa; Mayo Ayilaran, Chief Executive Officer, Musical Copyright Society Nigeria Ltd/Gte (MCSN); Ms Isioma Idigbe of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors; Akotchaye Okio, International Development Office for Africa at SACEM; with Victor Ekpo moderating, concluded that there can be equitable and fair distribution of royalties if there is data to back up the distribution.
According to Tom, to avoid Black Holes (monies not collected because the owners couldn’t be located), creators should register all their works comprehensively.
Reacting to a question from the audience, Ayilaran explained that there are a number of tools with which societies like MCSN protect the works of its members around the world. Among them, he said, are reciprocal agreements with sister societies across the world.
“By this, societies agree to protect the interests of each other in their spheres of influence (countries) and vice versa,” he disclosed.
The panel also revealed that another way to protect works of members is through collaboration with sister societies, as well as through affiliation with international bodies like IFPI, CISAC, SCAPR etc.