In the music industry in Nigeria, producer agreements are the backbone of fair collaboration.
A producer agreement is the written deal that explains how artists and producers share rights, royalties, and credits from a song.
Many artists and producers rely on handshakes or verbal promises, but this often leads to disputes.
The simple truth is that without a signed agreement, one party may end up losing money or recognition. That is why knowing how producer agreements work in Nigeria and what to include in a split sheet is key to long-term success.
Producer agreements in Nigeria cover terms like ownership, royalty sharing, advance payment, publishing rights, and credit.
The split sheet is a simple document that lists who contributed to the song and what percentage each person owns. This paper prevents confusion later.
For example, if a producer created the beat and an artist wrote the lyrics, the split sheet makes it clear how the royalties should be shared. Without this, streaming money, sync deals, and performance royalties could cause fights and even lawsuits.
When handled properly, a producer agreement benefits both parties. The artist gets clarity on costs and future payments, while the producer secures their role and royalties.
In a country like Nigeria, where the music scene is booming globally, these agreements are no longer optional. They are necessary.
If you are an artist, producer, or manager, you need to know exactly what should be in these documents and how to use them correctly.
How To Split Royalties With A Producer in Nigeria?
Splitting royalties with a producer in Nigeria requires honesty and clarity. Royalties are the money earned when a song is streamed, sold, performed, or used in ads and films.
The split depends on how much work the producer put into the song. If the producer only made the beat, they get a share of the publishing rights. If they also helped with writing or arrangement, their share increases. The key is to agree before release.
A fair starting point in Nigeria is giving producers between 3 to 5 percent of the mechanical rights, depending on their input. Of course, individual agreements can make it more or less. Many artists also pay a one-time producer fee upfront. This fee covers the beat creation, studio time, and production services
But even when a fee is paid, the producer is still entitled to royalties. That is why the split sheet is so important. It avoids later arguments about who owns what.
Some artists try to give producers only a flat fee without royalties. While this might seem cheaper at first, it often leads to conflict when the song becomes a hit.
A good approach is to combine both: pay a fair fee upfront and give the producer an agreed percentage of publishing and masters. This shows respect for their craft and ensures long-term collaboration.
Note: If there’s no split sheet and the song blows up, producers have the legal right to demand takedown until their share is settled.
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Who Should Be Included On The Split Sheet?
A split sheet should include every contributor who had a role in creating the song. In Nigeria, this usually includes the producer, songwriter, artist, and sometimes session musicians.
The rule is simple: if someone contributed creatively, they should be listed. Even if a backup vocalist wrote just a line that made it into the final song, they should appear on the sheet.
Failing to include a contributor can cause legal issues later. Imagine a guitarist writes a catchy riff that becomes the heart of a hit song, but is not listed on the split sheet. That person could later sue for unpaid royalties.
Including everyone from the start saves time, money, and stress. The sheet should clearly show each person’s role and the exact percentage they own.
Managers and lawyers often help draft split sheets in Nigeria. They ensure all names are spelled correctly and signatures are collected. Everyone should sign the sheet before releasing the track.
This avoids future claims and ensures that royalties flow correctly when platforms like Spotify, Boomplay, or YouTube pay out. The split sheet is not just a formality. It is a legal safeguard.
How Many Splits Should A Producer Get?
The number of splits a producer gets depends on their level of input. If the producer created the beat from scratch, arranged the song, and guided the recording, their share should be higher. Many producers in Nigeria receive between 3 to 5 percent of masters rights. If they also co-wrote the song, they may get more
It is common for new artists to undervalue producers. They assume the artist deserves most of the share since their voice is on the track. But the reality is that the producer’s sound shapes the song’s identity. Without a good beat, even the best lyrics may not shine. This is why producers often command a solid share of royalties.
Negotiation is key. Both the artist and the producer should sit down, discuss, and agree on splits. It is better to have a lower share of a hit song than a larger share of a song that never gets released due to disputes. Clear agreements encourage trust and repeat collaborations.
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What Is A Split Sheet Between Artist And Producer?
A split sheet is a simple written agreement that shows who owns what share of a song. Between an artist and producer, it sets out the royalty percentages for each party.
The document should include the song title, names of contributors, roles, and ownership percentages. Both the artist and producer must sign it to make it valid.
In Nigeria, split sheets are often ignored until disputes arise. Many artists only think of them when a song goes viral or attracts commercial deals. At that point, it becomes hard to agree on fair shares.
Using a split sheet early in the process ensures everyone is on the same page.
A split sheet between an artist and producer does not replace a full producer agreement, but it is a crucial part of it.
It acts as evidence of ownership and can be used when registering songs with Performing Rights Organizations like COSON in Nigeria, ASCAP or BMI abroad. The roles of these organizations are to collect performance royalties from the public use of songs. For any serious collaboration, a split sheet is non-negotiable.
How Much Royalties Should A Producer Get?
There is no single rule for how much royalties a producer should get. It depends on their contribution. In Nigeria, the common practice is giving producers between 3 to 5 percent of mechanical royalties. Performance royalties is shared 50/50 between the publisher and the composers. Producers, as composers of the beat, usually get a portion of the writers’ side (e.g. 10% of the 50%). Some may get more if they wrote lyrics or melodies in addition to the beat.
Upfront producer fees also affect royalties. If an artist pays a high fee, the producer may accept a lower royalty share. But if the upfront fee is small, the producer deserves a larger percentage of royalties. Balance is important. The agreement should reflect the true value each party brings.
Paying fair royalties motivates producers to give their best work. If producers feel cheated, they may refuse future projects or hold back the release. Remember that the Nigerian music industry is competitive. Producers have choices. Treating them fairly builds strong, lasting partnerships.
How To Write A Split Sheet?
Writing a split sheet is simple. Start with the song title at the top. Then list the names of all contributors, their roles, and the percentage they own. Each contributor must sign and date the sheet.
It is best to use plain language. Avoid complex terms that may confuse contributors. Everyone should understand what they are signing. If possible, include contact details for each person. This helps when registering with collecting societies or resolving issues later.
In Nigeria, lawyers often provide standard split sheet templates. But artists and producers can also draft their own. The most important thing is accuracy and signatures. A split sheet does not need to be long. Even one page can be enough as long as all key details are included.
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How Do Producers Get Paid Royalties?
Every producer in Nigeria gets paid royalties through collecting societies, publishing deals, and direct agreements with artists.
When a song is performed in public (radio, concerts, airplanes, bars), royalties are collected by organizations like COSON. On the other hand, mechanical royalties are obtained from sales and streams. These royalties are then distributed based on the percentages listed in the split sheet.
Some producers also sign publishing deals with companies that handle royalty collection worldwide. This ensures they get paid when Nigerian songs are played abroad. Without proper agreements, producers may miss out on this income. That is why documentation is critical.
In some cases, artists pay producers directly for their share of royalties. This happens when the artist controls the distribution account. In such cases, transparency is key.
The producer must have a copy of the agreement and clear proof of payments. Trust and clear paperwork make royalty payments smooth.
How To Use A Split Sheet?
A split sheet is used as proof of ownership when registering songs with collecting societies. Once signed, each party keeps a copy.
When uploading the song to streaming platforms, the ownership details should match what is on the split sheet. This ensures payments are directed correctly.
Managers use split sheets when negotiating sync deals or licensing agreements. If a movie company wants to use the song, they will ask for proof of ownership. The split sheet indicates who should be paid and the corresponding amount. Without it, deals can fall apart.
In Nigeria, many disputes between artists and producers arise from missing or vague split sheets. Using them early and correctly prevents fights. They are not just a formality. They are the backbone of fair collaboration in the music business.
How To Split Royalties On ASCAP?
ASCAP or BMI are major collecting society that handles royalties from public use of songs worldwide. If a Nigerian producer or artist registers with ASCAP or BMI, they must provide accurate split details. The split sheet makes this easy. It shows who owns what percentage of the song.
When registering with ASCAP or BMI, each contributor must open an account. The ownership percentages must match the split sheet. If there are mismatches, payments can be delayed or sent to the wrong person. That is why accuracy is critical.
For Nigerian artists who want to earn globally, ASCAP or BMI registration is a smart move. It ensures royalties from performances abroad are collected. But the process only works when the split sheet is complete and signed.
Are Split Sheets Legally Required In All Music Collaborations?
In Nigeria, split sheets are not legally required even in producer agreements, but they are strongly recommended. The law does not force artists and producers to sign them. However, without them, disputes are hard to settle. Courts often rely on written agreements as proof of ownership.
Although not required by law, split sheets have become the industry standard. Many labels and distributors will not release a song without a signed split sheet. They see it as protection against lawsuits. For serious artists and producers, having one is not optional.
Think of it this way. If you invest time and money into creating music, why risk it by skipping a simple document? A split sheet takes less than an hour to prepare but saves years of potential conflict. In Nigeria’s fast-growing music scene, this level of protection is priceless.
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Conclusion: How Producer Agreements Can Protect An Artist In Nigeria
Producer agreements in Nigeria protect both artists and producers from future disputes. They explain who owns what, who gets paid, and how royalties are shared.
The split sheet is the simplest but most powerful tool in this process. It ensures every contributor is recognized and rewarded.
Artists must remember that a producer’s role goes beyond making beats. Producers shape the sound and deserve fair royalties.
At the same time, producers should be clear about their expectations and document every deal. This builds trust and lasting partnerships.
In a booming Nigerian music industry with global reach, there is no space for vague promises.
Every collaboration should have a producer agreement and a signed split sheet. This is how to protect your music, your money, and your future.