Rakesh Nigam, CEO, Indian Performing Right Society Ltd.
(IPRS).
KOHIMA — The
Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) and the Task Force for Music and
Arts (TaFMA) Nagaland are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed
at educating artistes about copyright, enhancing royalty collection mechanisms,
and supporting the creative community through knowledge-sharing initiatives.
This development aligns with the upcoming visit of Rakesh
Nigam, CEO of IPRS, who will be launching the IRS workshop for artistes from
Nagaland on April 4 at CEMA Kohima.
In an exclusive interview with Eastern Mirror, Nigam shared
insights into the collaboration and how it will impact the state’s music
industry, as the partnership aims to support local artistes and amplify their
reach across the country.
When asked about the inspiration behind this partnership,
Nigam emphasised a shared vision between IPRS and TaFMA in empowering music
creators and independent artistes.
He said, “The collaboration stems from a shared vision of
empowering music creators by strengthening copyright awareness, ensuring fair
compensation, and fostering a sustainable ecosystem for the incredible musical
talent in Nagaland. TaFMA’s commitment to nurturing the creative economy aligns
perfectly with IPRS’s mission to protect creators' rights and maximize their
earnings.”
Shedding light about the MoU, he shared that along with its
aims and focuses, the MoU aligns with IPRS’s mission of ensuring fair pay and
fair play for music creators while fostering a more informed and rights-aware
artiste community in Nagaland.
Through this collaboration, artistes in Nagaland will have
better access to knowledge on copyright, royalty distribution, and licensing
opportunities. Nigam highlighted how the initiative would provide structured
guidance on registering their works, understanding revenue streams, and
leveraging their rights for sustainable careers.
He also explained how this initiative would help artistes in
Nagaland secure intellectual property rights more effectively and asserted, “By
providing structured guidance on copyright laws, registration processes, and
royalty management, IPRS will assist artists in formalizing their rights,
ensuring that their music is correctly documented and monetized across
platforms.”
Scope of the collaboration for workshops and training
programmes
The IPRS, in collaboration with TaFMA, will organise workshops,
seminars, and mentorship sessions focused on copyright awareness, licensing,
and royalty collection. These initiatives will not only equip artistes with the
knowledge to safeguard their creative works and claim their rightful earnings
but also provide exposure to the latest trends shaping music careers in the
digital era.
Further, he explained that the partnership will facilitate
knowledge workshops and interactive training programs where experts will
educate artists on copyright best practices, the significance of metadata, the
role of copyright societies in ensuring fair compensation, and emerging trends
in the music industry.
‘In today’s evolving music landscape, understanding the
critical aspects of the music business is essential for creators looking to
build a successful and sustainable career’, remarked Nigam.
He also highlighted that by guiding artistes through the
registration process and ensuring their works are accurately documented in
IPRS’s database, the team can help secure their rightful earnings while working
closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure that performances and uses of
music are properly tracked and remunerated.
He pointed out that, “One crucial aspect that directly
impacts royalty earnings is the need for stronger compliance with copyright
laws and improved licensing for the commercial exploitation of music.
Strengthening these areas will ensure that music creators from various regions
receive their rightful royalties for the music being played. Royalties serve as
a sustained source of income, playing a vital role in encouraging creativity
and preserving the rich musical heritage.”
Meanwhile, speaking about the role of TaFMA, the CEO pointed
out that TaFMA will play a crucial role in implementing the collaboration by
serving as a bridge between IPRS and the artiste community. It will facilitate
outreach, training, and awareness programmes, ensuring that artistes fully
understand and utilize the benefits of copyright protection and royalty
collection.
Nigam confirmed that this initiative is part of a broader
strategy by IPRS to engage with musicians across Northeast India, recognising
the region’s rich musical heritage and talent.
He said, “IPRS is committed to expanding its outreach across
the Northeast, ensuring creators are informed, protected, and fairly
compensated.”
Looking ahead, IPRS aims to collaborate with other state
governments and cultural bodies to support independent musicians across India.
“Absolutely, IPRS aims to collaborate with more state
governments and cultural bodies to empower independent musicians and promising
musical talent nationwide. Strengthening copyright awareness and ensuring fair
remuneration for artists remains a key focus area,” Nigam affirmed.
Message to artistes in Nagaland
Encouraging artists in Nagaland to take charge of their
rights, Nigam said, “Nagaland’s music scene is a powerhouse of talent, and its
artists deserve global recognition and fair compensation. IPRS is honored to
collaborate with TaFMA to support and empower creators in the region. We
encourage all musicians to take charge of their rights, register their works,
and make informed decisions that safeguard their creative legacy.”
