The vibrant culture of Nagaland, rich with indigenous music, folklore, and artistic expressions, is set to receive a significant boost with the upcoming visit of shri Rakesh Nigam, the chief Executive Officer of The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS). Scheduled to be launched on April 4th , 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Center of Excellence in Music and Arts (CEMA), New Minister Hill, Kohima. Marks a crucial step towards fostering a more informed and empowered ecosystem within the state. This initiative holds the potential to not only educate artists about their rights and responsibilities but also to integrate them more effectively into the national framework of copyright protection and royal collection.
This workshop will be hosted by , The Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) Government of Nagaland in collaboration with The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) with the title ‘Managing Right and royalties aa a artist’ on April 4th 2025.
The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. Plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights of authors, composers, and publishers of musical works in India. As the sole authorized body for issuing licenses and collecting royalties on behalf of its members, IPRS ensures the creators are fairly compensated for the public performance and communication of their copyright works. In a region like Nagaland, where music and artistic performance are deeply rooted in the cultural identity, understanding the importance of copyright law and the function of organizations like IPRS is most important. This workshop is evidence of a proactive effort by IPRS to reach out to artistes in Nagaland.
For the artist in Nagaland, navigating the complexities of copyright, licensing, and royalty collection can be a daunting task. Lack of awareness can lead to exploitation of their creative work and hinder their ability to earn a sustainable livelihood from their talent. The IPRS workshop, under the leadership of shri Rakesh Nigam, promised to bridge this gap by providing essential knowledge and practical guidance.
The workshop at CEMA, Kohima is likely to cover a range of topics. Artists can expect to gain insight into the fundamentals of copyright law, the process of registering their musical works with IPRS, and the mechanism through which royalties are generated and distributed. Understanding the differences issued by IPRS, such as those for public performance, broadcasting, and digital streaming, will empower artists to make informed decisions about the use of their music.
Experts from IPRS will provide an in-depth understanding of music copyright, licensing, and royalty distribution. Not only solo artists but Bands will also be given the opportunities to register with IPRS on-site, ensuring their music is officially recognised and eligible for royalties.
The presence of Shri Rakesh Nigam underscores the commitment of IPRS to promote a more inclusive and fair music industry across India. By personally engaging with artistes in Nagaland, he sends a strong message that their creative contribution is valued and that IPRS is dedicated to support their growth. This outreach can help build trust and encourage more artistes from the region to become a member of IPRS, thereby strengthening the collective bargaining power of creators and ensuring a sturdier system of copyright protection.
The upcoming visit of Shri Rakesh Nigam and the launch of the IPRS in Nagaland represent a significant milestone for the state’s artistic community. By providing essential knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of copyright law and royalty collection, this initiative has the potential to empower artistes, proactive their creative work. The workshop at CEMA, Kohima, on April 4th promises to be a crucial step towards integrating the rich artistic heritage of Nagaland into a broader national framework of intellectual property rights, ultimately benefiting both the creators and the cultural fabric of the nation.