Jamaica Music Society

The Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS) is a non-governmental, non-profit performance rights organization and copyright licensing body based in Jamaica. Incorporated in 2006 under the Copyright Act of Jamaica, JAMMS administers the broadcasting, public performance, and new media rights of record producers and performers. It functions as the essential link between music users—such as radio and television broadcasters, webcasters, cable operators, clubs, restaurants, gyms, and event promoters—and music owners, granting licenses that provide legal access to a worldwide catalogue of sound recordings. JAMMS represents a local membership of over 1,500 producers and performers, ranging from emerging independent creators to well-established record labels and acclaimed acts. The organization also holds mandates from major international recording companies and reciprocal partners covering all major music markets. Its authority derives from direct agreements with local and international record producers and labels, as well as its establishment as a national copyright licensing body under Jamaican law. Beyond licensing, JAMMS offers a range of services to its members, including ISRC prefix code issuance, business of music seminars, group health insurance, and a benevolent fund. The organization has been active in public discourse on copyright, artificial intelligence, and the music industry, and since 2025 has published a weekly top 10 of the most-played songs on Jamaican radio, compiled using data from BMAT. JAMMS is a member of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

The Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS) was incorporated in 2006 as a non-profit organization under the Copyright Act of Jamaica. Its establishment was rooted in the need to administer specific intellectual property rights granted to record producers and performers, particularly the exclusive rights to broadcast and publicly perform sound recordings. The Copyright Act of Jamaica (1993) provided the legal foundation for these rights, and JAMMS was created to administer them on a collective basis. From its inception, JAMMS functioned as a performance rights organization and copyright licensing body. It began signing direct agreements with local and international record producers and record labels, including major international recording companies, to build a repertoire of recorded music that it could license to music users in Jamaica. This allowed JAMMS to offer legal access to a worldwide catalogue of sound recordings, fostering a copyright compliance culture in the country. Over the years, JAMMS grew its local membership to over 1,500 producers and performers, ranging from small independent emerging producers to well-established and highly acclaimed producers and record labels. It also secured mandates from reciprocal partners covering all major music markets, enabling it to collect royalties for its members when their music is played abroad. The organization expanded its services beyond licensing. It introduced ISRC prefix code issuance, annual Business of Music Seminars, group health insurance for members, and a benevolent fund. The Business of Music Seminar became a significant event on the local music industry calendar, bringing together leading figures to share knowledge and network, particularly benefiting new and emerging producers, performers, and artist managers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, JAMMS adapted its operations to continue facilitating in-person business while observing health protocols, and accelerated its transition to web-based services. Members can now register music online, view registered works, check royalty earnings history, and update contact details through the website. Producers and performers can also apply for membership online. JAMMS has been active in public advocacy on copyright and music industry issues. It has organized seminars addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on music and the dubplate industry, and joined other industry stakeholders in signing an open letter critical of AI's 'assault on human creativity.' The organization also urges young music producers to create radio-friendly material. In 2025, JAMMS began publishing a weekly top 10 of the most-played songs on Jamaican radio, compiled using data from BMAT. This initiative provides valuable chart information for the Jamaican music industry. JAMMS is a member of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), further cementing its role in the global music rights ecosystem.

• 2025

  JAMMS begins publishing a weekly top 10 of most-played songs on Jamaican radio, using BMAT data.

• 2006

  JAMMS incorporated as a non-profit organization under the Copyright Act of Jamaica.

• 1993

  Copyright Act of Jamaica enacted, providing the legal basis for JAMMS's mandate.

A single powerful voice and agency for record producers and performers in Jamaica, providing legal access to recorded music and ensuring royalties are paid to rights holders.

• Public Performance Licence

  Licence for businesses and events to legally play recorded music in public.

• Broadcaster Radio/TV/Cable Licences

  Licences for radio, television, and cable broadcasters to broadcast recorded music.

• Online & Mobile Streaming Licences

  Licences for online and mobile streaming services to use recorded music.

• Dubbing License

  Licence for dubbing recorded music for various uses.

• ISRC Prefix Code

  International Standard Recording Code prefix issuance for members.

1. 1JAMMS - Jamaica Music Societyjammsonline.com
2. 2Services - Jamaica Music Societyjammsonline.com
3. 3About - Jamaica Music Societyjammsonline.com
4. 4About Us - Jamaica Music Societyjammsonline.com
5. 5Jamaica Music Society - Wikidatawikidata.org
6. 6Jamaica Music Society - Wikipedia (Italian)it.wikipedia.org