The United States and Nigeria are expanding commercial engagement in the music industry through a workshop focused on stronger intellectual property protection, royalty systems and investment.
The United States Consulate General in Lagos convened more than 120 policymakers, intellectual property lawyers, artists, producers, music executives and distributors for the three day programme.
The workshop examined how stronger copyright protection and enforcement could increase revenue, attract investment and create new opportunities for Nigerian and American music businesses.
United States Consul General Brandon Hudspeth said the international growth of Afrobeats had created significant room for deeper cooperation between the two countries.
He said Nigeria’s music industry should be viewed not only as a cultural force but also as a trade and investment opportunity.
Hudspeth pointed to the role of American companies and digital platforms in helping Nigerian music reach global audiences.
Companies referenced included Universal Music Group, EMPIRE, Sony, Warner Music Group, YouTube, Meta and Apple Music.
The Consul General said stronger intellectual property protections would give investors and music companies more confidence to finance projects, enter long term partnerships and develop new markets.
The workshop was organised with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the US Mission in Geneva and Nigerian alumni of the American Music Mentorship Programme.
The mentorship programme is implemented with the Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards.
Ten Nigerian alumni participated in the discussions, bringing experience from both the Nigerian and American music industries.
Participants examined cross border commercial partnerships, including Universal Music Group’s investment in Mavin and EMPIRE’s relationship with YBNL.
Sessions also covered copyright ownership, royalties, licensing, contracts, music monetisation, streaming, publishing and international market access.
Representatives of Nigerian regulators, cultural agencies, Lagos State Government and major music companies took part.
The United States said it would continue supporting initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s creative economy and improve the legal and commercial environment for music investment.
The broader objective is to ensure that the global popularity of Nigerian music generates sustainable income for creators and commercially viable opportunities for companies on both sides of the Atlantic.
