Ask Ms. Uduak

By far the most common relationship present in Nigeria’s (Naija) music industry is the Artist-Manager relationship. Only a handful of artists are signed to record labels but when it comes to managers, almost all artists seem to have managers. Indeed it is not uncommon to hear artists say, “talk to my manager” or showoff that they have managers. Because this relationship is so prevalent, it only makes sense I lead off my review of the numerous kinds of music contracts with the Artist-Manager contract.

I cover both perspectives and how to negotiate regardless of what hats you wear. Lets go “dia” with another round of “Ask Ms. Uduak on NotJuskOK.com!”

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Happy New Week NotJustOk.com readers. I hope this week brings you success and the wonderful things your heart desires. No matter the problem in life, never let it weigh you down. Stay optimistic! Alright, “LET’S GO DIA” on our topic today!
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As Nigeria’s entertainment industry grows, we see it becoming more sophisticated and talents and entertainment companies looking to the court system to resolve disputes. While Nigeria (Naija) might not have a great criminal justice or civil law system, when it comes to commercial/contract disputes (a subset of Nigeria’s civil law system), we find that Nigeria’s legal system manages to work relatively okay. For NotJustOk readers in Yankee, the legal system, as we know, definitely works especially with contract disputes. So, cutting straight to the chase, today’s topic deals with understanding and dissecting music contracts. In this article, I set the foundation for what is to come with a focus on the basic principles of a legal contract you should know if you are an artist signing a record label contract or a label drafting a contract to be signed.

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What’s good NotJustOk readers?! Happy New Year! I pray and wish everything good you all desire becomes a reality for you in 2010. Sorry it took me a little longer to get back into the groove of things, recouping from the celebrations from December into January was no easy task, but I finally made it back. Thank God!

Okay, so let’s jump right into it. You have probably observed in the past and certainly since the New Year what looks like an article with “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” on it. In fact, you have probably noticed Nigerian (Naija) musicians like Duncan Daniels, Zara, Naeto C or their representatives send you this kind of “article” if you are on their fan page, or distribute it on Facebook, online or websites you frequently visit. Read the rest of this entry »

“Hello (Ms. Uduak). I must say that you have helped me to know more about music- how to promote myself as an up and coming artist, how to get labels, how to get media buzz. Thanks so much. Actually, with the education I got from your newsletters on notjustok, I was able to get media buzz most especially on facebook. 90 percent of my friends are celebrities among them are- Jesse Jagz, Banky w, K-solo, Audu Maikori (Chocolate City CEO), Ty-mix, Sasha, Eldee, Kraft Music to mention but a few. I relate with them and also have their contacts. I have also created a fan page. Now, I (have) sent messages to them telling them I have good music but need a record label. I got positive replys. About three told me to send my music through e-mail. Read the rest of this entry »

“Hello Ms Uduak,
I’m an upcoming artiste, I’ve made efforts and I have some singles to my credit though not yet dropped. I have got some connects as well, I know some people up there. But please I want to be clear on something. I need to get signed to a record label. If I get linked to someone, probably a big C.E.O how do I go about talking to him concerning my aspirations of getting signed to his record label, getting my work across to him, as I haven’t got a manager yet. Please kindly enlighten me.
Thanks,
Yhemmy/Lagos.”

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“Good day Ms Uduak,

I know you must have heard and read these lines a lot but the truth must surely be spoken.

You are great, a rare gem. Your articles kill me and resurrect me. But you know what about you that marvels me, awes me and leaves me in a state of tearful hypnosism? Your spirit.

You answer questions and kind of guide people into their dreams, people you don’t really know. I think you have been an answer to so many. . .

I have a situation. I’m an upcoming artiste, I’ve written really great songs but I don’t know the next step to take. I could send my demo to labels but then there is the issue of labels not signing new acts as a result of piracy and the internet.

But do you really think that’s true here in Nigeria? Or do you think that with real tight songs which a lot of people has attested to its ability to sell, I could get signed?

Again if I decide to stay unsigned, how do I get my music out there in the market?

I know you might be a very busy lady but you could answer me, and that will be added to the list of the dreams you’ve helped mould. Thanks Ms Ladybrille.”

~Gozie/Nigeria

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“I have been seeing your posts on nojustok.com and this last one captured me (How to Start your own Record Label). The question I want to ask might be a (little) off key. lol. But it’s reasonable. I am a young artist and I want to get signed. Any tips on how? Thank you.” ~Daniel A.

Daniel, your question is indeed reasonable and one of the hottest questions many artists want an answer to. It seems straightforward but is a bit more complex because of the revolution the internet has forced on the music industry, especially record labels.

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“Good morning ma’am, I have started the legal work on my record label, and am just independent for now but am sure I can’t do it all by myself….what I am concerned about is the aspect of networking. I have got a daytime job and I have been thinking how I can get to liase with a few businesses . . . can you help with tips on how to achieve this? ~Regards, Gbenga EW”

“Hi, [I] am an aspiring hip hop producer. I have been doing some work for quite sometime now and I am having difficulties with getting my talent across. I mean it is difficult to make it as a producer without some form of a reputation in the Nigerian Music Industry. Thus my question is how do I expose myself to the industry as a music producer? ~ Haruna D. aka Phatbouy.” Read the rest of this entry »

“Ms. Uduak when will it be my time to shine?” is a common question I have been asked in frustrated tones from many artists, both Nigerian (Naija) and non-Naija. “I hustle very hard if not harder than many in this music game yet I can’t seem to get over that hump,” is usually what follows. The hump they usually refer to is the perpetual state of “brokeness” and lack of recognition in the industry.

To have “people chop (you) like biscuits,” or sing “Oyoyo” as J. Martins hit song “Oyoyo” claims, it means you have to be patient.

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Today, it is not uncommon to see many independent record labels in Nigeria’s (Naija) music industry. Depending on who you ask, this is a bad thing. In my view, this a good thing. From a few formidable labels like Kennis and Storm to more labels like Chocolate City, Alapomeji, Mo’Hits and Capital Hill, the emergence of this labels serves as a great economic stimulus, helps reduce unemployment rate and most importantly gives much needed hope to the young ones right behind.

If you agree it is a good thing and/or want to join the growing list of music entrepreneurs, this article provides a basic overview of how to start your own record label.

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