Explainer

buy-out fees
What Buy-Out Fees Really Mean and Why They Matter for Producers

A one-time payment may settle a transaction, but in music, it can also determine who…

360 deals
Understanding 360 Deals in Today’s Music Industry

360 deals, like many industry arrangements, are not uniform in their application. Their impact varies…

Black Box
The Black Box in Music Royalties: Why African Artistes Are Missing Out on Their Money

At an industry level, addressing the black box requires improvements in data systems, stronger international…

splits
Music Splits Explained: Who Gets What From a Song and Why It Matters

Understanding splits is not simply about dividing percentages. It is about ensuring that every person…

royalties
Royalties 101: How Music Actually Makes Money

For a new generation of musicians navigating a global industry, understanding royalties is therefore not…

sampling
Sampling, Interpolation, and What Music Copyright Requires

Failure to clear samples or interpolations may lead to consequences that extend beyond legal disputes.…

What You Lose When You Sign Away Your Masters

Masters ownership is one of the most consequential decisions an artiste can make, because it…

sync licensing
How Sync Licensing Works and Why It Matters for Nigerian Artistes

Sync licensing is one of the few revenue streams where the income is not only…

Serhou Guirassy
Serhou Guirassy: Against the Odds

If Serhou Guirassy keeps up this level—or gets even better—he’s on track to become one…

Omoni Oboli
Omoni Oboli and Nollywood’s Dilemma With Copyright Infringement

What does Oboli’s repeated copyright controversies reveal about the state of copyright protection and infringement…