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Nollywood filmmaker and music video director Dammy Twitch has spoken about the growing difficulty Nollywood producers face when trying to use Afrobeats songs in films, blaming complex music ownership and licensing structures in the industry.
According to him, the challenge is no longer just about paying for music rights but about who actually controls the songs.
He explained that many Afrobeats artistes sign publishing and distribution agreements that transfer key rights to third-party companies, making it harder for filmmakers to negotiate directly.
Dammy Twitch noted that even when filmmakers have personal relationships with artistes, it does not always help. In many cases, the rights to the songs are already tied to contracts involving record labels or global distribution platforms.
This means discussions must go through legal or corporate channels, which often increases costs or delays approvals.
He added that independent filmmakers are the most affected. Without backing from major studios, they often struggle to afford licensing fees attached to popular songs.
As a result, many Nollywood productions are forced to either avoid Afrobeats tracks entirely or settle for less popular alternatives.
The filmmaker described the situation as a “weird place” for collaboration between music and film industries, especially in Nigeria where Afrobeats continues to dominate global charts but remains difficult to integrate into local film projects due to legal and financial barriers.
Despite the challenges, Dammy Twitch remains active in the creative space. He recently announced his debut feature film titled Call of My Life, marking his transition from music video production into full-length storytelling.
The romantic comedy, produced by Bluhouse Studios, features actors such as Uzoamaka Power, Zubby Michael, Andrew Bunting, Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor, Beverly Osu, and Broda Shaggi.
The film tells the story of Soluchi, a call centre worker dealing with emotional struggles after a breakup, who unexpectedly finds new connection during a routine phone call that changes her life.
The project also includes musical appearances from Johnny Drille and Cobhams Asuquo, blending music and film in a controlled and structured format rather than traditional song licensing.
Speaking about his creative direction, Dammy Twitch said romance was a natural choice for his first feature film because of his personal experiences with love and emotional expression. He described the project as a reflection of his artistic identity and emotional journey.
Before this new project, he had already directed the short film I Hate It Here, which addressed domestic violence and featured veteran actress Nse Ikpe-Etim.
His comments highlight a broader issue in Nollywood, where the intersection of music and film continues to evolve but is increasingly shaped by legal ownership structures, corporate control, and rising production costs.
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