Do you or your business play music in public? If so, that makes you a Music User!

Music Users who play music in the course of doing business need to pay licence fees. That means anything that isn't personal use. This includes businesses like pubs, mobile DJ's, clubs, restaurants, shopping malls, live music venues and places like wedding venues. It also extends to broadcasters such as radio and TV stations who also play music publicly.

We don't make the rules. It's all laid out in the Copyright Act and it's part of Namibian law. If the music you play isn't written, created, performed and recorded by you, it belongs to the Music Creator and you need a licence.

NASCAM helps Music Creators by licensing their works and collecting licence fees from Music Users – that's you! The fees differ depending on what you use the music for. But NASCAM also looks after your needs as a Music User by ensuring that there's a healthy music industry constantly creating the music that is adding life to your business.

What is a Music Usage Licence?

Purchasing a Music Usage Licence from NASCAM gives Music Users permission to play music publically at their business or venue. The funds collected from these fees are called "licence fees". They are passed on to the people who made the music as royalty income. So they are rewarded for the hard work and soul that goes into making the tunes that make your business better.

Not all businesses are the same. A radio station that plays dance hits is a lot different to a restaurant that makes use of background music. So different kinds of businesses need different types of licences. We’ve been doing this for a long time and there’s not much we don’t know about the way music is used and how to create licenses that are fair and reasonable.

Benefits of becoming a licensee?

By supporting musical artists, you’re helping create a healthy music industry. Ensuring that the people who create the soundtrack to our success are still here tomorrow. By paying your licence fees you’re sending a positive message to NASCAM music creators, who will be more inclined to perform at your establishment and support your business. NASCAM affiliation lends credibility to your business and can add to your profile when included on your websites and in marketing communication.