5 Little Known Copyright Issues That Can Make Your Music Disappear

The world of music can be an emotional rollercoaster. One moment, you’re over the moon about the song you think may be the biggest one of your career because of the time, sweat and blood you’ve put in it. Then, a week after the release, you get a notification that your content has been taken down. 

You’re sure you did everything right and sampled no beat or melody. Everything is originally yours. Is it? Maybe not. There little known copyright blunders you may be committing. We’ll be discussing 5 of them in this article — and perhaps your track is already guilty of one. 

We’ve put this together because we get complaints of song takedowns every time. And when we check, there is a copyright infringement issue involved. 

So, pay attention, because ignorance is no excuse when it comes to the law. 

1. Dialogue, Scenes, and Audio Clips from Movies or TV Shows

Storytelling remains a timeless attraction tool in any art form — including music. And sometimes, nothing drives a story home like the short dialogue of your favorite movie. But in your attempt to bless your audience with something great, you may be cursing your craft with a lawsuit. 

So, found a fire quote from Living in Bondage or a chilling scene from Game of Thrones to spice up your intro? Pause.

Those clips are the intellectual property of film studios and streaming giants. Even a few seconds of dialogue can trigger an automatic content ID flag, get your song removed, or land you in legal hot water. 

So what do you think instead? 

If your song needs that dramatic effect so badly, consider recording your own skit. But if you feel so strongly about that particular snippet, then clear it first. If you can’t, then let it go. 

2. Uncleared Samples in Beats

So you paid a hot producer on Instagram for a beat, but did you ask where those jazzy guitar licks came from? Sometimes, producers slip in samples—maybe Ayinla Omowura’s voice, or a Choplife classic loop—without securing the rights.

This practice is common, and quite frankly, a lot of people either get away with it, or they’ve been cleared and you didn’t know. 

In any case, if you release a song with an uncleared sample, you become legally responsible for that infringement, not the producer. The original rights owner (even a late Apala legend’s estate) can sue, or demand royalties. 

But this is even better than getting banned across platforms, or your  “masterpiece” being demonetized or removed overnight.

To be on the safe side, always ask your producer if the beat is 100% original. If not, get proof of sample clearance—or walk away.

3. Fonts, Artwork, and Images Without Permission

That slick font you found on Google, or a dope image you snatched off Pinterest, might elevate your cover art. But it could also cost you the reward of your whole creative effort. 

This is because many visual creations found online are copyrighted. Even those so-called “free” resources often have strict licensing rules.

You may not know this, but digital stores can reject your submission for suspect artwork. And visual artists or photographers can sue or publicly call you out.

If you must use already created works, use the royalty-free ones or those with commercial-use licenses. And when you do, keep receipts. Better yet, hire local African designers and photographers. Build your own scene, not pirate.

4. Re-Singing Someone Else’s Melody or Hook

Think you’re safe because you didn’t sample Burna Boy’s hook, just re-sang it with pidgin? Think again.

We get the myth behind that thought: “If I change a few notes or words, it’s now my melody.”

But in reality, melodies are protected. It doesn’t matter that you sample, interpolate, or replay them. Re-singing “Ojuelegba” with a new beat doesn’t make it yours.

If you do these, just pray the copyright holders and their lawyers do not spot this. But this is you praying for the best. Realistically, you should expect the worst, like takedowns and denied opportunities, even on legendary love letters to Fela or Wizkid.

5. Improper Use of Traditional Music

Ancient folk songs, chants, and rhythms aren’t always “free game.” Some are protected under communal copyright. 

Using sacred Yoruba chants or Maasai songs without consent is disrespectful. It can trigger both legal actions and cultural backlash. Community organizations can block your song, and your brand risks being labeled as culturally exploitative.

Your best bet if you must use traditional songs, is to consult rights holders, local elders, or cultural leaders. You might be fortunate to get permissions. When you do, give credit, and make sure proceeds are shared fairly.

That You Don’t Know These, Doesn’t mean You’re Innocent 

No shortcut is worth your career and reputation. Don’t let your sleepless nights in the studio be a wasted effort. It is important to take the right route to obtain rights of usage — however long and tiresome it is.  And when you do, stay faithful to any agreement and terms that come with it. 

Before you drop that killer track, double-check everything. It’s a crucial step to leveling up your game. And with the right distribution partner to give you song wings to fly across borders, the sky is your limit.