Tagged ‘Ms Uduak’

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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“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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“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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