How to Complete the MCSN Work Submission Form
The MCSN Work Submission Form is how you officially register your compositions and recordings for royalty collection. This step-by-step guide walks you through every section to ensure your submission is complete and accurate.
Why Submit Your Works?
Registering your music with MCSN is the essential step that connects your creative output to the royalty collection system. Without registration, MCSN cannot identify your works when they are played, streamed, or broadcast, and cannot distribute royalties to you. Here's what registration unlocks:
- Royalty Collection: Your registered works are matched against usage data from radio stations, streaming platforms, venues, and broadcasters across Nigeria. Every match generates royalty income.
- Legal Protection: Registration creates an official record of your ownership and the date you declared it, strengthening your position in any future copyright dispute.
- Global Reach:Through MCSN's reciprocal agreements with over 100 Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) worldwide, your registered works can earn royalties from international usage.
- Free Membership: MCSN membership and work registration are completely free. There is no cost to register your music and begin earning.
Part 1: Your Details
The first section of the form captures your personal and professional information as the submitting rightsholder. This includes:
Personal Information
Your full legal name, stage name (if applicable), email address, phone number, and MCSN membership number. Ensure these details match your MCSN membership profile exactly. Any discrepancy can delay processing.
Part 2: Track Information
This section captures the essential metadata for each track you're registering. Accurate metadata is critical for royalty matching:
Part 3: Composition Rightsholders
This is one of the most important sections of the form. It documents everyone who owns a share of the musical composition (the song itself, as distinct from the recording). You must list each contributor with their role and ownership percentage:
Composer
The person(s) who created the musical elements: melody, harmony, chord progressions, and musical arrangement. Each composer’s percentage share must be specified.
Author (Lyricist)
The person(s) who wrote the song’s lyrics. In many cases, the composer and author are the same person, but they can be different contributors with separate shares.
Publisher
If any contributor has a publishing deal, the publisher’s name and their contractual share must be listed separately. Publishers administer rights and collect a portion of composition royalties.
Arranger
The person who created a new arrangement of an existing composition. Arrangers may receive a share of the composition rights depending on the agreement between all parties.
All composition rightsholder percentages must total exactly 100%. The form will not be accepted if shares do not add up correctly.
Part 4: Sound Recording Rightsholders
This section documents who owns the master recording: the actual recorded version of the song. Master ownership is separate from composition ownership and determines who receives sound recording royalties.
Common master owners include:
- Independent artists who self-funded and self-produced the recording
- Record labels that financed the recording session
- Producers who may own a share of the master as part of their production deal
- Joint owners where multiple parties contributed to the cost or creation of the recording
As with composition splits, all sound recording percentages must total 100%. Ensure your documentation (contracts or split sheets) supports the percentages you enter.
Part 5: Agreement
The agreement section serves two important purposes:
Creator Status Declaration
You confirm that you are the original creator (or authorized representative) of the works being submitted and that all information provided is accurate and truthful.
Deed of Assignment
You authorize MCSN to act on your behalf to license, collect, and distribute royalties for the registered works. This deed is what empowers MCSN to legally pursue royalty collection from music users on your behalf.
Part 6: Upload Documents
The final section requires you to upload supporting documentation for your submission. These files help MCSN verify your works and process your registration:
Music File
An audio file of the track being registered. This serves as a reference copy for identification and verification purposes.
Proof of Ownership
Documentation supporting your claim of ownership, such as production contracts, co-writer agreements, or copyright registration certificates.
Split Sheets
Signed split sheet agreements documenting the agreed ownership percentages between all contributors to the composition and recording.
Critical Tips for a Successful Submission
Keep these important points in mind to ensure your work submission is processed smoothly:
Accurate Metadata is Everything
Ensure song titles, artist names, and ISRC codes match exactly what appears on streaming platforms and releases. Even small discrepancies can prevent successful royalty matching.
Keep Organized Records
Maintain copies of all split sheets, contracts, and correspondence related to each track. You may need to reference these during the review process.
Membership Approval Takes Up to 4 Weeks
After submitting your MCSN membership application, allow up to four weeks for approval. You can submit works once your membership is confirmed.
Initial Royalty Payments Take 6-9 Months
After your works are registered and usage is detected, the first royalty payment cycle typically takes six to nine months to process. This is standard across CMOs worldwide.
All Shares Must Total 100%
Both composition and sound recording ownership percentages must add up to exactly 100%. Double-check your split sheets and ensure all parties are in agreement before submitting.
Incomplete submissions or submissions with incorrect metadata will be returned for revision, delaying your royalty collection timeline.