Music video director-turned-filmmaker Dami Twitch has raised concerns over growing restrictions affecting the use of Afrobeats music in Nollywood productions.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, he said filmmakers are increasingly unable to feature popular Afrobeats songs in movies without obtaining formal licensing approval.
According to him, the situation stems from the fact that many Afrobeats artists have signed publishing agreements with international music companies, which now control the rights to their catalogues.
He explained that this shift has made it difficult for Nollywood producers—particularly independent filmmakers—to access songs freely, even when they have personal relationships with the artists.
Dami Twitch noted that in many cases, the cost of securing usage rights is beyond the budget of local productions unless backed by major investors or studios.
“Nollywood producers can’t freely use Afrobeats songs in movies anymore… even if the artist is my friend, they can’t give me permission,” he said, stressing that contractual obligations override informal agreements.
He warned that the growing complexity around music licensing is straining the long-standing creative relationship between Nollywood and the Afrobeats industry, describing the current situation as a difficult phase for collaboration.
The filmmaker added that many Nigerian productions may increasingly be forced to rely on original scores or alternative music due to rising licensing costs.
