Law Of The Dance: Legal And Regulatory Framework For Promoting Appropriate Music Content In Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigerian music industry has evolved from humble beginnings. It
has witnessed a rapid ascendance from ancient cultural songs based
on the norms and customs of the people around where the music
emanated, to a global multi-billion-naira industry. The industry is largely
regulated by the National Broadcasting Commission, National Film and
Video Censors Board, and the Copyright Protection laws and other interest
bodies. These institutions have statutory roles to review and censure music
contents that overstep or collide with cultural, legal, ethical or intellectual
property requirements or norms. However, the recent rise in the rate of
release and production of lewd, inappropriate and culturally incompatible
music contents in the Nigerian music industry have generated calls for a
closer review of how regulatory institutions can be strengthened to
effectively address the negative impacts of contemporary music on
Nigerian laws and norms, especially among youths. This article evaluates
the roles of law in regulating the contemporary music industry in Nigeria
to ensure coherence and compatibility with ethical, legal and cultural
norms. It analyses how current regulatory institutions in Nigeria can be
strengthened to effectively discharge their regulatory roles of ensuring
the appropriateness of music content for the good of the Nigerian society.