Quick Definitions: Essential Terms for NASCAM Members & License Users
Music Terms, Simplified – Quick Definitions for You
Collective Management Organization (CMO)
An organization that manages copyright and related rights on behalf of creators and
right holders by licensing works, collecting royalties, and distributing payments to
members.
Copyright
A legal right that protects original works of authorship (like music, lyrics, and
recordings), giving the creator exclusive control over reproduction, distribution, and
public performance of their work.
Intellectual Property (IP)
Intangible creations of the mind (such as music, art, inventions, and brand names) that
are legally protected from unauthorized use.
Royalty
A payment made to the owner of a copyrighted work or intellectual property when it is
used by someone else, typically as a percentage of revenue or a fixed fee.
Music Publishing
The business of managing, promoting, and licensing musical compositions, ensuring
songwriters and composers receive royalties for the use of their works.
Music Distribution
The process of making music available to the public through various channels,
including physical formats (CDs, vinyl) and digital platforms (streaming services,
downloads).
License
A legal agreement granting permission to use copyrighted material under specific
terms, often in exchange for royalties or a fee.
Licensor
The person or entity that owns the rights to a work and grants permission for its use
through a license.
Licensee
The person or entity that receives permission to use a copyrighted work under the terms
of a license agreement.
Performance Rights
Rights that allow the public performance of a musical work, such as playing music on
radio, TV, or in public venues. CMOs license these rights and collect royalties for their
use.
Mechanical Rights
Rights related to the reproduction of music, such as making copies of songs on CDs or
digital downloads. CMOs may also manage these rights and collect corresponding
royalties.
Public Domain
Works whose copyright has expired or that were never eligible for copyright protection,
and can be freely used by anyone.
WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)
A specialized United Nations agency that promotes and protects intellectual property
globally, develops international IP rules, and provides guidance on copyright and related
rights.
Copyright Infringement
The unauthorized use of copyrighted material, such as copying, distributing, or
performing a work without permission from the right holder.
Collective Rights Management
A system where rights holders authorize a CMO to manage their rights collectively,
simplifying licensing and royalty collection for both creators and users.
Neighbouring Rights
Rights granted to performers, producers, and broadcasters for their contributions to
recordings and broadcasts, separate from the rights of the original composer or
songwriter.
Trademark
A symbol, word, or phrase legally registered to represent a company or product,
protecting brand identity in the music industry (e.g., band names or logos).
Licensing Agreement
A contract that outlines the terms under which a copyrighted work or intellectual
property can be used by another party.
Music Licenses: Download & Understand Your Rights
NASCAM is mandated to license the use of music in public and commercial spaces,
ensuring creators are fairly compensated and users comply with Namibian copyright
law.
Any individual, business, or organization playing, performing, or broadcasting music in
public or commercial settings in Namibia must apply for the relevant NASCAM license.
Application forms are available for download on the NASCAM website or at NASCAM
offices.
Legal Framework & Enforcement
Governing Law:
All music licenses are enforced under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Protection
Act 6 of 1994. NASCAM is authorized to issue licenses and collect royalties on behalf of
music creators.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
I.Equipment confiscation, hefty fines, and/or imprisonment for using music
without the required license.
II.Minimum fine for first-time offenders: N$12,000 or up to three years in prison.
III.Second-time offenders: N$20,000 or up to four years in prison – or both.
IV.Enforcement is carried out in collaboration with Namibian Police and customs
officials.
Download License Application Forms
Forms can also be collected from NASCAM’s head office or requested via email.
There must be links to the individual licenses webpages (public performance, live event,
DJ, etc) for easier viewing.
Public Performance License:
Authorizes the public playing of music (live or recorded) in venues such as restaurants,
bars, malls, retail stores, offices, hotels and transport vehicles.
Rights Granted:
1.Play copyrighted music in public spaces.
2.Covers all music in NASCAM’s repertoire (local and international).
Exceptions:
1.Does not permit copying, adapting, or distributing the music.
2.Personal/private use is not covered; only public/commercial use.
Who Must Apply:
Event organizers, restaurants, bars, shops, buses, taxis, and more.
Licenses must be renewed annually.
Live Event License:
Covers the performance of music at live events such as concerts, festivals, corporate
functions, and public gatherings.
Rights Granted:
1.Perform copyrighted music live to an audience.
2.Covers all NASCAM-represented works.
Exceptions:
Does not allow recording or broadcasting the event without additional licenses.
Who Must Apply:
Event organizers, promoters, and venues hosting live music performances.
Licenses must be renewed on an event-per-event basis.
Mobile DJ License
Permits DJs to publicly perform music at events, clubs, weddings, and parties.
Rights Granted:
1.Play and mix music in public settings.
2.Use of both physical and digital music formats.
Exceptions:
Does not allow copying, distributing, or selling music files.
Who Must Apply:
All DJs performing in public, regardless of event size or location.
Licenses must be renewed annually.
Jukebox License
Allows the operation of jukeboxes (physical or digital) in public venues like bars,
restaurants, and shebeens.
Rights Granted:
Play music for public enjoyment via jukebox machines.
Exceptions:
1.Does not permit copying or distributing music files.2.
Downloading music onto digital jukeboxes requires separate permissions from
copyright owners.
Who Must Apply:
Owners/operators of jukeboxes in public venues.
Licenses must be renewed annually.
Broadcasting License
Permits radio and television broadcasters to air copyrighted music.
Rights Granted:
1.Broadcast music to the public via radio or TV.
2.Covers all music in NASCAM’s repertoire.
Exceptions:
1.License fees are based on broadcaster size and reach.
2.Does not cover public performance in physical venues (requires separate
license).
Who Must Apply:
Radio and TV broadcasters, including community, commercial, and national stations.
Licenses must be renewed annually.
Connect With Us
We value engagement with our members, partners, and the wider creative industry.
Whether you are an artist, music user, or industry stakeholder, we invite you to reach
out, collaborate, and be part of Namibia’s creative journey.
Address and Contact Information
5 Johnson Street, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
Telephone: +264 83 721 1400
Email: info@nascam.org.na
