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#Post#: 28--------------------------------------------------
Why Nigerian Artistes Quit Their Record Labels?
By: Smartjohns Date: November 23, 2016, 6:55 am
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HTML http://imgh.us/Harrysong.jpg
Only recently, it was reported that “ Reggae blues “crooner
Harrysongs has dumped 5 Star Music, a label he has been signed
on since 2013, following his troubles with now defunct Question
Mark Records.
Harrysongs had gone ahead to create a big name for himself under
the new imprint, releasing several hit singles, writing songs
and collaborating with label front liner Kcee whose younger
brother E-Money owns the label.
Everyone thought this was a match made in heaven as all 5 Star
Music artistes were seen to be in unison, partying together,
popping champagne, checking out the girls and spending lavishly
in music videos.
You can imagine the shock from fans when Harrysongs announced he
was leaving 5 Star Music group to start his own music company
called Alter Plate. This was preceeded by Iyanya exiting Ubi
Franklin’s MMMG record with the intention of starting his own
record label only to end up being signed to Don Jazzy’s Mavin
records.
This will not be the first nor the last time there’s a record
label vs. artiste drama in the Nigerian music industry. The
famous D’Banj – Don Jazzy split in 2012 was the beginning of
this trend and more drama ensued. Wande Coal soon left Don
Jazzy, Wizkid left the Banky W led EME, Brymo had a long lasting
court battle with Chocolate City and most recently there was a
huge drama between Skales, his manager and Baseline Music.
This was followed by some huge drama between singer Runtown and
the owners of Ericmanny Entertainment. With this becoming a very
worrisome trend for the Nigerian music industry, we take a look
at 5 causes of artiste – record label drama and possible
solutions to issues like this that could jeopardize both the
works of the artistes and the efforts of the label.
Here are the top 5 causes of artiste- record label drama in
Nigeria:
1. Ignorance
Most upcoming artistes are young, naive and looking for every
opportunity to sign that record deal. In the case of Skales,
upon the expiration of his contract with EME, Skales eagerly
went ahead to sign a deal with the newly formed Baseline
records.
He however failed to read the fine prints that came with the
deal. He took the brand new car, a house, cash advance, and
upkeep allowance and somehow mortgaged his freedom.
When Skales and his long-time manager were accused of financial
misappropriation and he felt it was time to leave Baseline music
behind, he couldn’t because he had signed a contract that will
see him pay a whooping N5,000,000,000 (five billion naira)
anytime he attempts to leave the label- before the expiration of
his deal.
Moral: Consult with professionals and find the hidden traps
before you put pen to paper on that deal. This would have
prevented that ugly situation.
2. Record Label Owner Is Also An Artiste
The first law in the famous book “48 Laws of Power” by Robert
Greene says “Never outshine your master”. In a situation where
the signee and label boss are both artistes who are competing
for the same spotlight, what do you think will happen? The one
with more power and resources will channel all of that
capability into promoting his own works rather than promote the
upcoming act whom he has promised to nurture.
Apart from D’Banj himself, which other artiste became big by
signing under him? Don Jazzy has been the only one who has
managed to be a producer cum artiste and record label boss that
has nurtured and groomed talent into the limelight while staying
highly relevant himself in the music industry.
The Nigerian music industry needs to evolve to a place where
there are professional music executives doing the work as
managers, promoters and A&R, not one man running the whole show.
3. Greed And Pride
So the artiste becomes big after heavy support and investment
from the record label and then he begins to look down upon the
people whose money led to his or her successful musical career.
This leads to discord and a fall out between artiste and
management. Moral: Loyalty is key. Never bite the fingers that
fed you, you might get hungry again someday.
#Post#: 29--------------------------------------------------
Why Nigerian Artistes Quit Their Record Labels?
By: Smartjohns Date: November 23, 2016, 6:59 am
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4. Unfulfilled promises
This can happen on both the part of the record label and the
artiste.
The artiste might say he will give 4 albums in 3 years just to
get signed or the label could say we will give you 70% of your
earnings only to hold on to 50% of it. The unfulfilled promises
are mostly a result of greed. If there are clear terms stating
the duties and obligations of both acts, such incidences will be
greatly reduced. Moral: Integrity is key. Always keep to your
word.
5. Lack Of Appreciation
As trivial as it may sound, a lack of appreciation could be a
major reason for fallout between the artiste and his label. Ever
wondered why Nigerian artistes give accolades to the label
bosses? These shout outs feed theego of the top dogs and is
disguised in the form of showing appreciation.
Isn’t it the reason why Harrysongs is leaving 5 star music? He
said he’s been writing songs for someone who doesn’t know music
and doesn’t even show appreciation for his works.
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