Filmmaker Dami Twitch Speaks on Afrobeats Restrictions in Nollywood

Dami Twitch Afrobeats Restrictions highlighted as filmmaker warns Nollywood producers face costly hurdles using Afrobeats songs in films.

Nigerian filmmaker and video director Oluwadamilola Owolabi, professionally known as Dami Twitch, has warned that Nollywood producers are increasingly unable to use Afrobeats songs in films without securing expensive permissions tied to international publishing agreements.

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Speaking on the Afropolitan podcast, Dami Twitch explained that the growing Dami Twitch Afrobeats Restrictions stem from artists signing publishing and distribution deals with foreign companies, which now control how their music is licensed.

He stated that these agreements have significantly complicated the process of obtaining clearance for film soundtracks, adding that even personal relationships with artists no longer guarantee free access to songs.

According to him, “Nollywood producers can’t freely use Afrobeats songs in movies anymore. Some artists have already sold their music rights, so adding their songs to films becomes difficult.”

Dami Twitch further noted that the cost of licensing Afrobeats tracks for film use has become prohibitively high for many independent filmmakers, describing the situation as a growing challenge for the industry.

The filmmaker stressed that the collaboration between Nollywood and Afrobeats, once seen as a natural creative synergy, is now experiencing a strained phase due to commercial and legal barriers.

He added that most Nigerian producers operate independently without major studio backing, making it difficult to absorb the rising costs of music clearance.

The story have sparked wider concern over the future of sound integration in Nigerian cinema, particularly as Afrobeats continues to gain global recognition while its licensing structure becomes increasingly complex.

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Industry observers say the development could force filmmakers to rely more heavily on original scores or alternative music sources unless licensing costs become more accessible.