Music video director and filmmaker Dammy Twitch has explained why many Nollywood producers can no longer freely use Afrobeats songs in films.
Speaking in an interview, the director said music licensing has become difficult because many artistes no longer fully control their songs after signing publishing and distribution deals.
“I think because people have sold their song already, so it gets to a point where I want to use this song for my film, for example, I can’t afford it because they’ve signed some distribution deal or some publishing deal with some company somewhere, and you can’t even have a conversation, even if the person is my friend. They’ve literally gotten an advance for something.
“So that is a major factor in our problems because these artists don’t own the songs. So that collaboration for now is at a very weird place. Not until if a big studio comes to support your film, you might be able to afford these songs, but if you’re mostly independent filmmakers the independent scene won’t let us afford this thing,” he said.
Dammy Twitch recently announced his first full length feature film titled Call of My Life, marking his move from music videos into feature filmmaking.
Produced by Bluhouse Studios, the romantic comedy stars Uzoamaka Power, Zubby Michael and Andrew Bunting in lead roles alongside Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor, Beverly Osu and Broda Shaggi.
The story follows Soluchi, played by Uzoamaka Power, a call centre agent struggling to move on after her relationship with Kalu, portrayed by Zubby Michael, ends. During a routine work call, she connects with Eli, played by Andrew Bunting. What begins as a simple conversation gradually develops into something deeper, forcing her to confront her past and reconsider love.
The film also features live musical performances from Johnny Drille and Cobhams Asuquo.
Speaking about why he chose romance for his debut feature, Dammy Twitch said, “My life has been shaped by love, so choosing a romance story for my first film was instinctive. As it’s my first step into feature filmmaking, I wanted it to reflect my heart. And my heart has always been rooted in love and happiness.”
Before Call of My Life, the filmmaker directed the short drama I Hate It Here, starring Nse Ikpe-Etim, which focused on domestic violence.
