JACAP, JAMMS slash fees to help put entertainment sector back on its feet

Jamaica’s two music rights societies, the Jamaica Association of Composers Authors and Publishers (JACAP) and the Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS), have slashed fees up to 30 per cent on permits and 25 per cent on general licences.

The organisations say that this downward adjustment is intended to incentivise the bounce back of the industry after more than 15 months of inactivity.

Permits for events will be reduced by 15 to 30 per cent for 90 days if the application is made 10 days before the event. There is also a 25 per cent COVID relief to general licence users. The societies say that there has been no permit fee increase in the last several years, and this will remain so for a while.

“This action of the music rights societies is intended to support all players in the industry, many of whom have seen their earnings significantly reduced as a result of the restrictions mandated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the societies said in a joint release.

JACAP General Manager, Lydia Rose, stated, “We have to be proactive in supporting the thousands of ordinary Jamaicans whose economic viability depends on the entertainment sector.”

She said the board decided months ago that whenever the Government gave the green light for a reopening of the industry, the society would reward music users by offering discounts as an injection to get the sector going.

For its part, JAMMS believes that reducing the fees sends a signal to members of the entertainment industry that the society understands their plight and is willing to work with them towards achieving an economic turnaround. General Manager of JAMMS, Evon Mullings, highlights that “as copyright licensing bodies we view music and entertainment as operating in a virtuous circle, and therefore we are extremely mindful of the state and viability of that entire ecosystem. Reducing our fees at this time is the most practical means of showing our support and commitment towards getting the sector back on its feet”.

The societies are reminding event promoters and users of music that getting the JAMMS and JACAP licence is a legal requirement that must be adhered to. They highlight the critical importance of music to entertainment events, underscoring that music is the lifeblood of parties, dances, live shows and other events. Without the creators, composers, writers, producers and publishers, there would be no music.

The societies are also strongly urging event organisers and patrons to observe all the COVID-19 safety protocols for the health and safety of all concerned.

Together, JACAP and JAMMS represent the largest organised grouping of music and entertainment industry players in Jamaica, with a combined membership of over 6,000.