Nollywood Producers Can't Freely Use Afrobeats Songs in Movies Anymore – Dami Twitch

Nigerian music video director and filmmaker, Dami Twitch, has issued a reality check to Nollywood producers, warning that the days of freely using hit Afrobeats tracks in domestic movies without proper legal licensing are officially over.

Speaking in a recent interview, he highlighted how the global expansion of the Nigerian music industry has altered copyright enforcement. Dami Twitch explained that because top Afrobeats artists are now heavily signed to major international record labels and publishing corporations, the legal rights to their music are strictly protected by global corporate entities.

“Before, a Nollywood producer could just put a Wizkid or Davido song in their movie soundtrack without asking, and nobody would really disturb them. But now, you can't try it. The moment your movie hits a global streaming platform like Netflix or Prime Video, those international labels will flag it, take it down, or sue for copyright infringement,” he warned.

He emphasized that proper licensing ensures artists finally receive accurate royalties and intellectual property compensation for their creative output.

Dami Twitch urged Nollywood producers to adapt quickly to these changing dynamics by actively collaborating with upcoming, independent artists, hiring specialized film composers, or formally allocating realistic budgets to clear the rights for major commercial hits.

What are your thoughts on Dami Twitch’s insights regarding music licensing in Nollywood? Do you think this will force Nigerian filmmakers to be more original with their movie soundtracks? Please drop your comments below!

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