Afrobeats Licensing Costs Creating New Challenges for Nollywood, Says Dami Twitch
Nigerian music video director-turned-filmmaker Dami Twitch has raised concerns over the growing difficulty Nollywood producers face in using Afrobeats songs in films, citing complex licensing agreements and rising costs.
Speaking on the Afropolitan podcast, Twitch explained that many popular Afrobeats artists have signed publishing and rights-management deals with foreign companies, making it increasingly difficult for filmmakers to secure permission to use their music.
According to him, even personal relationships with artists are often no longer enough to gain access to songs because the rights are now controlled by third-party companies under legally binding contracts.
“Nollywood producers can’t freely use Afrobeats songs in movies anymore. Some artists have already sold their music rights, so adding their songs to films becomes difficult.
“Even if the artist is my friend, they can’t give me permission to use their song freely because they have already entered a contract. That is a major challenge in the movie industry,” he said.
Twitch further noted that the cost of obtaining music licenses has become a significant hurdle for many filmmakers, particularly independent producers who operate without the backing of major studios or large investors.
He explained that the changing dynamics have placed the relationship between Nollywood and Afrobeats in an uncertain position.
“The collaboration between Nollywood and Afrobeats is at a very weird place right now. A lot of producers can’t afford putting Afrobeats songs in their movies unless a big studio or investor supports them. Nigerian producers are mostly independent filmmakers so a lot of us won’t be able to afford it.”
A Growing Divide Between Two Global Industries
For years, Nollywood and Afrobeats have grown side by side, becoming two of Nigeria's most influential cultural exports. Popular songs have often helped define memorable movie scenes, while films have provided additional exposure for artists and their music.
However, as Afrobeats continues to expand internationally, many artists are entering sophisticated publishing, distribution, and licensing agreements designed to maximize revenue from their intellectual property. While these deals offer financial benefits and global protection for musicians, they can also make access more expensive for local filmmakers.
Opinion: A Sign of Industry Growth, But One That Requires Balance
The challenge highlighted by Dami Twitch reflects a broader reality: both Nollywood and Afrobeats are becoming increasingly professionalized industries. Musicians deserve to earn fair compensation for the use of their work, especially as their music gains international value.
At the same time, the rising costs of licensing could create barriers for independent filmmakers, who have historically been the backbone of Nollywood's growth. If producers are unable to afford popular Nigerian music, audiences may begin to see fewer collaborations between two industries that have long complemented each other.
The solution may lie in developing licensing frameworks tailored to the local market—ones that protect artists' rights while remaining accessible to filmmakers. Such an approach could help preserve the creative synergy that has contributed significantly to Nigeria's cultural influence around the world.
As both industries continue their global ascent, finding common ground will be essential to ensuring that Nollywood and Afrobeats continue to grow together rather than drift apart.
