I Recovered Nearly ₦100M in Unclaimed Music Royalties for an OG | Treasure Mose on Music Rights

How much money could Nigerian artists be leaving unclaimed? On this episode of Hits Don't Lie, Mannie Essien sits down with entertainment lawyer Treasure Mose for a deep dive into the business and legal side of Nigerian music — from music royalties and publishing to masters, contracts, record labels and artists’ rights**. Treasure shares one of the most shocking cases she handled involving an OG artist she grew up listening to, who had been performing hit songs without collecting the royalties attached to his music. She reveals how her team recovered close to ₦100 million in unclaimed royalties for an artist who didn’t know the money existed. The conversation also breaks down: • What music royalties actually are — beyond Spotify and Apple Music streams • The difference between *streaming, publishing, distribution and synchronization royalties* • How artists can find and claim unclaimed royalties • Why having a hit song doesn't automatically mean you're getting paid • What *masters* are and why ownership matters • How record labels can own or control an artist's music • Why artists should use *split sheets* when creating music with producers and songwriters • Common mistakes artists make when signing record deals • Automatic renewal clauses and other contract terms artists should understand • Why artists need an *entertainment lawyer* before signing major agreements • How artists can protect their names through *trademark registration* • What happens when music rights become the subject of a legal dispute • The difference between transferring music rights and selling a music catalogue • Why artists should treat their careers like a business This is a conversation about the part of the music industry that happens behind the music — and why understanding your rights can be just as important as making the hit. *Watch the full episode and tell us your biggest takeaway in the comments.* Are Nigerian artists leaving millions on the table? Learn how to secure your music royalties and protect your creative work. On this episode of Hits Don't Lie, Mannie Essien sits down with entertainment lawyer Treasure Mose to break down the business side of the industry. They discuss a shocking case where an artist missed out on nearly 100 million Naira in unclaimed royalties, simply because the backend paperwork was never handled. This conversation is essential for any creator looking to understand how music publishing and streaming revenue actually function. Treasure explains the critical differences between masters, distribution, and synchronization rights, and why having a signed contract does not always guarantee payment. The discussion covers the importance of split sheets and why legal counsel is necessary before signing any major record label agreement. By treating your career like a business and understanding your rights, you can ensure your hard work pays off. Watch the full episode and tell us your biggest takeaway in the comments. #HitsDontLie #CoolFM969 #musicroyalties #musicbusiness #entertainmentlawyer #nigerianmusic #musicpublishing #musicrights #masters #recordlabels #artistsrights #royalties #music #musiclaw #musica #musiclovers #artiste #artist