JACAP Membership
JACAP members are composers, lyricists and music publishers. JACAP looks after the performing right (and if the members so agree also the mechanical/reproduction right) in their works. It would be almost impossible for the individual creators to keep track of public performances, and broadcasts, of their music across Jamaica and the rest of the world, and to issue licences and collect fees due, so organisations like JACAP do it on their behalf.
Advantages of Membership
Membership of a performing right society ins the only practical way in which composers, songwriters and music publishers can receive what is due to them for the public performance of their music. Because JACAP has links with similar organisations worldwide, joining means that you become a part of this network that is working on behalf of composers, authors and music publishers, So, JACAP members receive royalties for performances of their works that take place around the world, not just Jamaica.
Who can become a JACAP member?
Composers of music, authors of lyrics or poems which have been set to music, arrangers of non-copyright music and music publishers are eligible to apply for membership as long as they fulfil certain criteria.
Composers and lyricists must have work(s) which must have been either:
a) commercially recorded, and broadcast within the past two years, or
b) performed in public on at least twelve occasions within the past two years.
A writer who has written the theme or opening/closing music for a film which has been publicly exhibited or for a series of 3 or more episodes broadcast on television or national radio is also eligible for membership. Applicants must also submit a Birth Certificate, passport or some other national identification with photograph attachment.
There are other criteria which may be applicable, our Membership clerk will he happy to advise. Publishers must have a catalogue of works of which at least 5 have been commercially published and/or commercially recorded. In addition:
a) The writers of the qualifying works must be members of JACAP, or one of its affiliated societies;
b) A copy of the record or sheet music must be submitted in support of the application;
c) copies of all assignments between the applicant and the writers in respect of the works concerned must also be supplied;
d) Publisher members must show documents of incorporation.
What are the categories of membership?
Writers (composers and authors), Publishers, Proprietors or Successor members (beneficiary, personal representative or trustee of a deceased member).
The heirs of deceased composers, authors and music publishers are also eligible for membership.
The category of membership does not affect the share of royalties due to a member.
How long does membership last?
Membership normally lasts for the member’s lifetime. However, a member may, by giving three months prior written notice, terminate membership.