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International Music Licensing: How to License Music for Use in Different Countries and Territories

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How to License Music for Use in Different Countries and Territories

International music licensing refers to the process of obtaining the necessary legal permissions and rights to use music across different countries and territories around the world. 

When a piece of music is created, it is protected by copyright law, and the creators, composers, songwriters, and performers hold certain exclusive rights to control how their music is used.

International music licensing is the mechanism that allows individuals, companies, or organizations to legally use this music in various ways in different parts of the world. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved in international music licensing:

Rights Clearance and Ownership Verification

Before you start licensing music internationally, it’s crucial to determine who owns the rights to the music you’re interested in using.

You need to ensure that you have the proper permissions to license the music for anytype of music including licensing music for YouTube vlogs, events, podcasts, etc. This may involve contacting the composers, publishers, and record labels associated with the music.

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Identify the Rights Needed

Different uses of music require different types of rights. Common types of rights include mechanical rights (for reproducing the music), synchronization rights (for using the music in audiovisual projects), and performance rights (for public performances). 

It’s crucial to understand the scope of your project and the type of music usage you’re planning to ensure that you secure the appropriate licenses from the relevant rights holders.

Many countries have PROs that manage the collection and distribution of performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers. 

Examples include ASCAP, BMI, PRS, SACEM, and more. If your project involves public performances of music (e.g., broadcasting, live events), you’ll need to work with the relevant PROs to obtain the necessary licenses in that country.

  • Synchronization Licenses

If you’re using music in audiovisual projects like films, commercials, or TV shows, you’ll need to secure synchronization licenses from both the music publisher and the record label. This allows you to synchronize the music with visual content for different music opportunities in the industry.

  • Mechanical Licenses

Mechanical licenses means the rights required for the mechanical reproduction and distribution of a musical composition. These licenses are essential when you want to reproduce and distribute copies of a song in physical or digital formats, such as CDs, vinyl records, digital downloads, and streaming services. 

Negotiate Terms and Fees

The terms and fees you negotiate will depend on various factors, including the type of usage, the popularity of the music, the territories involved, and the bargaining power of both parties. 

Before entering negotiations, have a clear understanding of how you plan to use the music. Consider the scope of usage, the duration, the territories, and any other specific requirements for your project.

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If the licensing agreement is complex or involves significant financial commitments, consider seeking legal advice to ensure that your interests and content are protected.

Clearance and Documentation

Once you’ve negotiated the terms, make sure to obtain written agreements detailing the rights granted, the territories covered, the duration of the license, and the payment terms.

Clearance and documentation are crucial to prevent misunderstandings and legal issues down the line. By having a clear and comprehensive license agreement in place, you and the rights holder can work together confidently, knowing that the terms of the music usage are well-defined and legally binding.

Cultural Considerations

Keep in mind that cultural sensitivities and copyright laws can differ between countries. What might be acceptable in one country could be problematic in another. Research the local laws and cultural norms to ensure your use of the music is appropriate. 

Be particularly sensitive to religious and spiritual themes. Music with religious connotations might require extra consideration, as it could be deeply meaningful or sensitive to certain communities.

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Monitor Usage and Report

After obtaining licenses, monitor the usage of the music and report usage accurately to the relevant rights holders and PROs. This ensures that the appropriate royalties are distributed to the correct parties. 

Implement systems to track how and where the licensed music is being used. This might involve monitoring the number of plays, downloads, streams, or any other relevant metrics depending on the type of usage.

Renewals and Extensions

Licensing agreements typically have a duration. If your project’s timeline exceeds the initial license period, make sure to secure renewals or extensions as needed.

In the complex landscape of international music licensing, successfully navigating requires a careful balance of legal knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication. 

From identifying the rights needed and negotiating terms across diverse territories, to respecting cultural norms and monitoring usage diligently, each step contributes to a harmonious global exchange of musical creativity. 

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By adhering to legal frameworks, understanding the nuances of different regions, and fostering respectful collaboration with rights holders, international music licensing becomes not only a process of obtaining permissions but also a celebration of the universal language that transcends borders—music. Through this interesting yet important process, the artistry of music finds its place on a global scale, enriching projects and cultures alike.

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People & Lifestyle

Vivo Energy Ghana Donates Solar-Powered Lamps to BECE Candidates

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In a dedicated effort to support education and promote renewable energy, Vivo Energy Ghana, the Shell licensee, has donated solar-powered lamps to all final year students of La Enobal Basic School and La Presby Primary School A&B under its Green4Clean Schools Renewable Energy Project themed, ‘Building a sustainable future.’ This timely donation aims to ensure that students have a reliable source of light as they prepare for their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in July.

The Green4Clean Schools Renewable Energy Project, a collaborative initiative with the NGO United Way Ghana and the Academic City University College, focuses on empowering students with comprehensive knowledge of renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy. The donation of the solar-powered lamps serves as a practical example of renewable energy in action, reinforcing the educational components of the Green4Clean schools’ renewable energy project.

“We are delighted to support the students as they prepare for their BECE,” says Shirley Tony Kum, Corporate Communications Manager at Vivo Energy Ghana. “Access to reliable lighting is essential for effective study, and we hope that these solar-powered lamps will help the students prepare adequately for their exams. This initiative aligns perfectly with our goal to promote renewable energy and enhance educational opportunities within our communities,” she added.

The Director of Education of the La-Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly, Madam Habiba Kotomah, commended Vivo Energy Ghana for the donation and effort in helping to integrate renewable energy solutions into educational structures: “We are setting an example and demonstrating the transformative potential of sustainable technologies,” she said.

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints support Ghanaian education with state-of-the-art classroom block and toilet facility

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has once again proved its commitment to education in Ghana by donating an ultramodern 6-unit classroom block and a 10-seater restroom facility to Odorgonno Senior High School in the Ga Central Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.

The donation, made in collaboration with the office of Dickson Adomako Kissi, Member of Parliament for the Anyaa Sowutuom Constituency, is expected to supplement the school’s existing inadequate classrooms while also improving the learning environment for students and providing them with the necessary facilities to excel in their studies.

During the handing-over ceremony, Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, General Authority Seventy and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Africa West Area stressed the role of education in individual and community development.

 “This day represents a critical milestone in our commitment to providing high-quality education and building a better future for our children. I come before you today as a proud representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, grateful for the opportunity to participate in this outstanding endeavour,” he stated.

The Church of Jesus Christ has consistently contributed to key projects across the country, fostering social, economic, and spiritual well-being, and empowering students.

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Flint Ekyem Mensah, Director for Temporal Affairs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, remarked that the new classroom block transcends mere bricks and mortar. It embodies hope, opportunity, and the Church’s unwavering commitment to educating all children.

“Our goal as a Church is to do good. We strive to do that by sharing our love and devotion to Jesus Christ. We hope to share his message of love and hope in all that we do. Our joint efforts will bless the lives of many and will reflect our love for God. Today we are working together to bless His children,” he said.

Dickson Adomako Kissi, Member of Parliament for the Anyaa Sowutuom Constituency, added that the initiatives are intended to complement and bolster the government’s efforts at prioritising education. 

“Education has been very important for our president since he has spent considerably in education in terms of both value and money, and that inspired me to start this project with the Church.  The skills acquired here will help our students become better citizens and do better for Mother Ghana,” he said. 

Patrick Mensah, Headmaster of the school said the facility has come as a great relief and that the school faces countless challenges such as inadequate student dormitory, staff accommodation, classrooms, and science laboratory among many others.

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“This commission facility has come in at a time when the school has transitioned to the single track status and comes to solve the overcrowding in the classroom and to provide classroom accommodation for the elective subject. We are going to devote a classroom for science demonstration lessons since the school has no science laboratory lab,” he said.  

He also urged the church to consider assisting the school in further establishing its boys ‘ hostel and scientific laboratory. 

“I will appeal to the church to take a second look at our two major concerns, the science laboratory and the boys’ dormitory block since the plight of the students who travel long distances to and fro school every day in the school’s attachment area which falls within the Greater Accra, the Central Region and Eastern Region respectively,” he added.

Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the Deputy Minister of Education, pledged to address the outstanding school request, aiming to transform teaching and learning to improve access and quality education.

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The commissioning was attended by high-profile dignitaries such as the Deputy Director-General, of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Kwabena Tandoh; the Regional Director of Education, Stephen Abamfo; Municipal Chief Executive of Ga Central- Hon. Ambross Tsegah; Municipal Director of Education, Ga Central, Madam Adisa Tassa; Board Chair of Odorgonno, SHS, Mrs. Addo-Yobo, and Revered chiefs and elders of Sowutoum, among others. 

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People & Lifestyle

Thomas Partey melts hearts with heartwarming family photo

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Ghanaian football sensation Thomas Partey recently melted hearts with a touching family portrait shared on his Instagram account. (more…)

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Caleb Yeslord: A Ghanaian young Social Media Executive, Blogger and an event expert

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Caleb Yeslord

Asare Caleb is an entertainment journalist, a blogger and an event executive who walks with the brand name Caleb Yeslord in the media space. Since his entry into the mainstream entertainment media space he has become one of the best in his field of work.

Major highlights of his career as an entertainment journalist, blogger and Event executive are as follows; he was part of the AfroNation 2022 team and took center stage in Artiste Liaison and hospitality. From 2021 Caleb Yeslord has worked with Ghana’s Premium DJ awards scheme Ghana DJ Awards to produce a well-structured social media campaigns from 2021 till 2023.

 He has been managing Ghana DJ Awards social media platforms for 3 years now with great experience in content creation. Caleb Yeslord has also managed social media accounts for Eastern’s biggest awards scheme “Eastern Music Awards” and played a key role in directing and producing an excellent awards show.

In 2022, Caleb Yeslord covered almost 19 top events in Ghana including Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, 3 music Awards, Ghana DJ Awards, Bhim Concert, One Voice Festival, Romanus Incomplete IV, One Night Stand with Jacinta, Too Cute To Be Mute by Lekzy DeComic among others.

Caleb Yeslord is the Chief Executive Officer of “Caleb Yeslord World” and has under his belt Caleb Yeslord TV (YouTube Channel) and an online news publication portal, calebyeslord.blogspot.com.

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Aside from his media ventures, Caleb is a well-trained brand publicist, social media managing executive and event promoter/executive.

Need to work with him, contact Caleb Yeslord on all social media platforms via @Calebyeslord.

Email: [email protected] Contact Number: 0245236775 / 0265145091

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Twellium Industrials Company Sweeps Three Prestigious Awards at 2024 Ghana Manufacturing Awards

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Twellium Industrial Company Limited, a renowned leader in non-alcoholic beverages, water, biscuit, and cake production, triumphed at the 8th Ghana Manufacturing Awards (GMA), securing three prestigious accolades. The event at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra celebrated the company’s excellence in the manufacturing sector.

Twellium clinched the titles of Best Confectionery Producing Company of the Year for the third consecutive time, Best Mineral Water Company of the Year, and Best Soft Drink Producing Company of the Year. These awards underscore Twellium’s reputation as a beacon of best practices in the industry.

The ceremony, which took place on May 31st, 2024, was organized by Xodus Communications Limited under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in partnership with PayAngel, Kaya, and Graphic Plus. The GMA seeks to honor companies and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional performance in stewardship, quality, health and safety, corporate social responsibility, and innovation in the manufacturing sector.

Twellium Industrials Limited’s recognition at the GMA highlights its significant contributions to Ghana’s manufacturing industry and the broader economy. The company’s consistent growth and dedication set a benchmark for others in the sector to follow.

Speaking to the media, Marketing Director Ali Ajami expressed profound gratitude to the entire Twellium team and their loyal customers. “These awards demonstrate our unwavering focus on meeting and exceeding customer expectations while adhering to rigorous quality standards,” Ajami stated. “We are thrilled and honored to receive these accolades. We dedicate them to our cherished customers, whose tremendous support has fueled our growth and success.”

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Ajami also highlighted the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, exemplified by the Verna Changing Lives initiative. Twellium Ghana has firmly established itself as a market leader, known for its credibility and reputation in delivering high-quality products.

As Twellium looks to the future, the company aims to continue its trajectory of innovation and social impact, solidifying its position as a pillar and pride of the Ghanaian manufacturing industry.

 

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Financial Times Recognises BHM for The Second Consecutive Year

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The Financial Times (FT) has reaffirmed communications services company, BlackHouse Media (BHM) as one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies for 2024. BHM is the parent company of ID Africa Ghana, a pan-African public relations and communications advisory firm operating from Accra.

This marks the firm’s second consecutive year of inclusion on the FT list. According to the figures in the report, BHM’s continued success is attributed to its impressive market performance, highlighted by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.27% between 2019 and 2022, and an absolute growth of 116%. This period of growth also coincides with the BHM’s expansion to Ghana in April 2022.

Among the select 150 organisations listed this year, Ghana asserts its presence with two other notable entries, including Hubtel Ltd., a fintech and delivery company, and KudiGo Inc, fintech and big data start-up.

Guided by a visionary leadership team led by Ayeni Adekunle, the founder and Group CEO of BHM, the company has charted an ambitious course toward sustained growth and global prominence, particularly in Ghana and across Africa Ayeni remarked: “The incredible support from our clients and partners across the world has been instrumental in our growth. This recognition is further validation of our strategic vision, and our ambition to build the first truly global communications services company with African roots.”

The ranking is compiled in collaboration with global data and business intelligence platform, Statista. The list ranks independent African companies by their organic, internally stimulated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue for the period under review.

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“Being recognised among Africa’s fastest-growing companies by the Financial Times highlights our commitment to excellence across Africa. It’s a testament to our deep understanding of the local media landscape, allowing us to create tailored strategies that reach audiences across Ghana, West Africa, and beyond,” said Iretomiwa Akintunde-Johnson, Regional Manager for BHM, West Africa’s operation.

The company’s ethos is grounded in data-driven insights and comprehensive industry research, extending its footprint in the Ghanaian market, while positioning the firm as a trusted advisor for companies and businesses seeking to expand or enter Ghana’s dynamic landscape. With a proven track record, exemplified by reports like the Africa PR & Communications Report collating insights from over 50 practitioners, BHM offers invaluable guidance empowering organisations within and outside Ghana to navigate and thrive in the global marketplace.

In its global efforts, the organisation has spearheaded initiatives like the Global Day of Influence and World PR Day, showcasing its pioneering spirit in the field. These efforts have engaged over 10,000 practitioners across 60 countries, highlighting its global resonance and impact. Provoke Media further recognised the company’s remarkable growth by ranking it among the top three fastest-growing consultancies in Asia-Pacific, The Middle East, and Africa.

With world-class clients such as The Macallan in Ghana, and global and pan-African clients such as Heineken, Nigerian Breweries, FCMB Group Plc., MTN Nigeria, DSTV/Multichoice and Showmax,  the company remains steadfast in its “mission is to serve clients across the African continent and globally,” said Ayeni. “Every recognition we receive along the way strengthens our resolve to succeed. We have an unwavering belief in the continent and its people, and the value we can bring to the world.”

Originally founded in Lagos in 2006 by Ayeni, a former journalist, BHM has over the years solidified its position as a leading communications and public relations consultancy in Africa. Today, the company boasts a staff strength of about 100 professionals operating in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and across Africa, as well as in England, Scotland and the United States.

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