The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) is Nigeria’s leading Collective Management Organization (CMO), committed to protecting the rights of music creators and collecting royalties globally.
If you want to start earning royalties and safeguarding your music, you need to complete two essential forms: the Membership Registration Form (for individuals or corporate entities) and the Works Registration Form.
The Complete Guide to MCSN Membership Registration Form
This guide explains each section of the forms and offers tips for a smooth application. Whether you’re an independent artist, a music group, or a record label, here’s everything you need to know to join MCSN and protect your work.
Understanding the MCSN Membership Registration Form
The Membership Registration Form is designed for both individual musicians and corporate entities (such as music groups or companies) seeking to register with MCSN. The form captures essential details about the applicant and their musical works, ensuring that MCSN can manage and protect their rights effectively.
For Individual Musicians
Part A: Personal Details
This section gathers personal information, ensuring that MCSN can create an accurate membership profile. Here’s what it includes:
- Title, Name, and A.K.A: This ensures the correct identification of the artist or performer. The inclusion of aliases (e.g., stage name) is important for MCSN’s identification purposes.
- Contact Information: Email, phone number, and country of origin help establish communication and verify the member’s identity.
- Gender, Date of Birth, Nationality: These details ensure proper demographic profiling for MCSN records.
- Identification Type and Number: This is to verify the identity of the applicant, with a unique ID number (e.g., NIN, National ID, or Passport).
- Band Name/Music Group: If applicable, the member provides the name of the music group or band they perform with.
Part B: Address Details
MCSN needs to know the applicant’s physical location to communicate official matters.
- Address Line 1 & 2, Postcode, City, Country: These details help MCSN communicate effectively with the member.
- Webpage/Website: Optional, but relevant for artists with online presence or promotions.
Part C: Musical Rights Information
This section collects information about the ownership of musical rights, which MCSN will protect and manage:
- Musical Composition Rights & Sound Recording Rights: These categories specify which rights the member holds for musical compositions and sound recordings, key to royalty collection.
- Membership in Other Societies: This is to check for overlapping rights management and avoid double registration.
Part D: Royalty Payment Information
The member provides banking details for MCSN to send royalties:
- Bank Name, Account Name, Account Number: These are critical for royalty payment processing.
Part E: Next of Kin Information
In case of emergencies or for legal purposes, MCSN requires details of the member’s next of kin:
- Title, Relationship, Name, Email, Phone, Address: This ensures that a family member can be contacted if necessary.
Part F: Works Registration
This section is where the applicant registers their musical works with MCSN:
- Song/Jingle Title, Featured Artist(s), Genre, Date of Creation: Essential metadata about the work.
- ISRC (International Standard Recording Code): This unique identifier helps track the song internationally.
- Rightsholders: Members must list everyone involved in creating the song, with corresponding share splits.
Part G: Deed of Copyright Assignment
The member assigns their rights to MCSN for worldwide protection and royalty collection:
- Rights Transfer: This agreement outlines MCSN’s full control over the music rights, including live performance, broadcast, and licensing.
Part H: Upload Required Documents
Required documents help validate the information provided:
- Passport Photo, ID Proof, Music File, Proof of Work, Split Sheet/Agreement: These are crucial for MCSN to confirm identity, ownership, and rights.
- Additional Documents: Optional documents for further verification.
For Corporate Members (Labels, Music Groups, Production Houses)
Part A: Business Details (For Corporate Members)
For corporate entities like record labels, music groups, and production houses, this section collects the necessary business information:
- Trade Name, Business Registration Number, Tax ID, Contact Information: Key details to identify and communicate with the organization.
- Role of Official Contact Person: For administrative purposes, including a Director or Manager as the point of contact.
Part B: Address Details
This section gathers the organization’s physical address, ensuring proper correspondence:
- Business Address, State, Website: These details ensure MCSN can communicate directly with the entity.
Part C: Musical Rights Information
Like the Membership Registration Form, this part captures the rights the organization holds:
- Musical Composition and Sound Recording Rights: Clarifies the rights that the entity holds for the music and recordings.
- Membership in Other Societies: Identifies any other collection societies the entity is a member of to prevent conflicts.
Part D: Royalty Payment Information
For royalty payment processing, the organization provides banking details:
- Bank Account Details: Ensures that royalty payments are routed to the correct business account.
Part E: Contact Person Details
This section requires the organization to nominate an official representative (e.g., Director, Manager):
- Contact Person Name, Role, Email, Phone Number: Key for communication with MCSN.
Part F: Works Registration
The works registered in this form are treated similarly to individual submissions but are tailored for organizations:
- Song Title, Artist(s), Genre, ISRC, and Release Type: These details help categorize and register the musical works.
- Rightsholders: The entity needs to list all individuals or other entities involved in the work, including share splits.
Part G: Deed of Copyright Assignment
This section transfers the rights of the work to MCSN:
- Global Rights Assignment: The organization agrees to assign all rights to MCSN for worldwide management, including licensing and royalty collection.
Part H: Upload Required Documents
Organizations must upload similar documents to individual members:
- Certificate of Incorporation, Music File, Proof of Work, and Identification Proof: These validate the organization’s credentials and the submitted work.
Conclusion
The MCSN Membership and Works Registration Forms are your gateway to protecting your music and earning royalties in Nigeria and beyond. By carefully completing each section—Personal/Business Details, Address, Rights, Banking, Works, and Deed of Assignment—you empower MCSN to license your music and deliver your earnings. Join today, register your works, and let MCSN amplify your creativity in Nigeria’s thriving music industry!
