The lights are slightly dimmed, the food is great and you’re having the time of your life. Then from the blue, your favorite tune starts playing. You immediately turn around and, to your surprise, it’s a music band and not your favorite artiste.

These days it has become normal for function bands to play popular songs sung by popular artistes, most of them who are long gone. However honorable this might be, there’s this thing called copyright infringement and, as a host, you need to be aware of it before it’s too late.

Direct Infringement

In music, direct copyright infringement occurs when a person performs any of the actions which are deemed to be within the creator’s rights. One of the forbidden acts includes the reproduction of a song, lyrics or the instrumental musical work.

Indirect Imfringement

Owners of public or private entertainment venues are prohibited from allowing the reproduction of musical works without the permission of the copyright owner. Failure to respect the rights of a copyright owner can led to costly lawsuits. So beware of the function bands you host as you could be caught in the middle of a storm that could strip you of all you’ve worked so hard to establish.