Under copyright laws, songs aired in Jamaica earn the songwriters registered with the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers (JACAP) an estimated J$30 million per year.

But the money represents a portion of the song royalties generated, and even the money collected by the JACAP does not all go to local talent.

"The money is not only for Jamaican writers," says Steven Golding, chairman of the JACAP.

Read more: Making Money from Music

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, has encouraged Jamaican songwriters to register their work with the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers Limited (JACAP).

"How many of you are in a position, after you write a song and its recorded, to go to the record shops all over the world to check if somebody has used that song and you are not getting royalties? How many of you are able to do that?" she asked.

Read more: Support JACAP

JACAP, with representatives from Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), Jamaica Music Society Limited (JAMMS), Jamaica Copyright Licensing Agency (JAMCOPY) and National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) in December, will be hosting a week long open house at our office located at 21 Connelly Avenue, Kingston 4, inviting several business entities, the media and the public to view displays showcasing your work and other copyright organizations that offer services which can be beneficial to all – both creators and users of music.

We seek your assistance in promoting the importance of music users acquiring a JACAP licence to ensure compliance with the Copyright Act 1993, under which we operate. We extend an invitation to you to attend the open house and to contribute your time. We also need volunteers to attend to the booth each day.

A decade of achievement – Protecting and valuing your musical creativity.

To commemorate its 10th year in operation, JACAP at its 10th Annual General Meeting held on Sunday 22nd November 2009 at the Knutsford Court Hotel, honoured its founding members who have remained devoted contributors to the development of JACAP.

Shown in photo are original members: (Back row: left to right) Wayne Lattibeaudiere, Steve Golding, Rev. Lindsay Moncrieffe, Ronald “Nambo” Robinson, (front row: left to right) Stainton Campbell, Augustus “Gussie” Clarke, Desmond Young, and Dr. Winsome Miller-Rowe.

Ezroy Bailey (Photographer)

From a membership of less than 100 members in 1999, JACAP now has a membership of over 2,000. Due to our high standard of service, we have been able to attract this number which includes high profile personalities as well as young aspiring creators of music.

(Top) Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Ce’cile, DJ. Nicholas, Prodigal Son and Goddy Goddy, (Below) Lutan Fyah, Macka Diamond, Jah Cure, JLee and Ryan Mark

JACAP Public Performance licences are required by premises which use any form of device to play music. These can range from concert and dance halls through to public houses, hotels and restaurants, to ships, aircraft, hairdressers, doctors’ and dentists’ waiting rooms and even telephone ‘music on hold’ systems. A JACAP licence is usually reassessed annually.

A JACAP licence is also required by every radio and television service and almost every satellite service based in Jamaica as well as by cable operators. But these licences only cover the original transmission into private homes not to public places that use radio and/or television to provide entertainment or an ambience for patrons, the general public or staff. The operators of these premises require a separate licence.

The owner or manager of the premises or the promoter of the event, i.e. the person who normally facilitates the music performances taking place - musicians and performers do not have to hold a JACAP licence (unless they are working in one of the aforementioned capacities). A JACAP licence is needed EVEN IF the owner or manager has any of the following:

• TV, radio or cable licence (issued by the Broadcasting Commission)
• Local authority entertainment licence or permission (e.g. cinemas, stage shows etc.)Phonographic performance licences.

JACAP launched its upgraded website and invites you to learn more at www.jacapjamaica.com or visit us at our office located at 21 Connolley Avenue, Kingston 4. Telephone (876)948-6439/593, (876) 578-4917 (Digicel), (876) 922-1638 (Fax).