There is no  better time to be a Nigerian artist than now. For a country that boast the largest music industry in Africa, and one of the most productive musical outlet in the world, is nothing but good news to the heart of every upcoming artist.

Gone are the days when the likes of Alaba international market dominated the vista to stardom. Now, with the coming of the digital and online media along with several musical talent hunts, the sky has never been good for the Nigerian music industry. However, for the independent minded artist who envisions a career, without passing through the rigorous process of the reality musical contests, I say congrats to you.

You may have concluded the infancy stage of your musically gifted career,  but still in search for avenues to push yourself up the musical ladder.

These few steps below if put into practice, will help turn around that talent of yours into a successful musical career that you’ve always desire.

Have a Proactive Mindset

Knowing what  you want and sticking to its actualisation is one principle you must first inculcate before moving up the grapevine. As humans we all have big dreams, but one obstacle that can subdue big dreams is Laxity. There is no doubt that you must be a goal-getter to survive in the industry. But, if you are in the shell of expecting your dreams to sail through without the needed push, then be rest assured that you’ll definitely fail. Always set your priorities right and work towards its achievement. For there is no bigger and weary task for you as an upcoming star than climbing up the chart. Although, it may seem rough at the initial stage, yet the desire to always keep your head up will be your potent weapon.

Forge a Unique Musical Identity

There is need for you to stand out from the pack. The industry is filled with numerous imitators and copycats. Hardly, would you find a duplicator that had a lengthy career span. Hence, it will be disastrous starting up your promising career duplicating someone else style. However, there exist several ways you can differentiate yourself. It can be from your hairstyle, or your dress code or probably your unique kind of lyrics. A good example is Azubuike Nelson (popularly called Phyno). Apart from his hair style which separates him from other wannabes, one doesn’t need to be told that he has carved a niche for himself in the industry. He would have decided to venture into English hip-hop just like others before him, yet he stayed true to his calling which is Igbo indigenous rap. Today, his fan base cuts across every part of Africa. This for me is foresight and only legends in the making could do this. The records of legends never die, rather they transform into evergreen songs. You could hardly talk about platinum records without mentioning the rhythms of Michael Jackson. The same goes for Africa were the likes of Fela, Mariam Makeeba and Yousouf N’dior still stand tall. One doesn’t need rocket science to tell that longevity and uniqueness are intertwined.

Ensure a Flawless and Polished Production

Before putting your songs up for public hearing, always listen carefully to the rhythm. There are chances that you may come across some unfiltered sounds and background noises. If such is the case, then endeavour to seek the assistance of a good sound engineer who can perform a perfect blend of mixing and high-tech mastering. Do not compromise a sleek production for a shoddy job. It may end in a catastrophic outcome. You don’t want a situation where you hand your songs to a record label CEO only to find them thrown into the bin.

Look For Unconventional Opportunity to Sell Yourself

There are several ways to announce oneself in the musical industry. But one feasible way to kick start it, is by contributing to someone’s else album, either working as a back up singer or a song writer. Stories abound of several artists today who started their careers under someone’s else platform. You’ve heard the touching grass to grace testimony of dancehall star Timaya and how he started up as a backup singer to Eedris Abdulkareem.  While they abound notable backup singers too numerous to mention, they also have in large numbers famous musicians who started up as songwriters for others. The likes of Ne-yo, Keri Hilson and our own Harrysong comes to mind. Similarly, the advertising agencies are also on the look out for good singers who can spearhead their campaign jingles, the same goes for movie production companies.  You can find time to visit a nearest ad agency and book an audition with them.

Promote Your Music

Use every available medium to market yourself as an artist. At this stage, you require no better promoter than yourself. I’ve drawn some useful list to help you achieve this task.

• Open an online music portal where your song can be accessed. You may wonder why? The answer is simple. Since you’re releasing your first set of songs, it may be wise to start by giving your music away for free. This helps people find it and share it. It also gives you ample opportunity to get feedback from loved ones.
• Organise or get involved in musical concerts. This includes but not limited to street carnivals, campus social nights, corporate road show and maybe wedding ceremonies and birthday anniversaries. You may also want to compile a check list of recreation centres and bars in your locality. While it is advisable to book a show with the manager, you should also take to heart the possibility that you may not get paid for your appearance. However, that does not defeat the underlying achievement of getting appreciated by a larger audience.
• Get in touch with local radio stations to feature you in a live audience show. There are higher chances that your songs will gain much air play time through this medium. The radio is usually the first port of call for first hand knowledge about new songs for many Nigerians. And the frequency at which songs are played in the radio is incomparable to other media, including the internet. The radio can single handedly get your song across to many offices and homes and even beyond your greatest imagination.
• Seek the assistance of an experienced club DJ. Another similar way to get music lovers acknowledge your song, is through the expertise of a Disc Jockey. Willing DJ’s may be favourable disposed to play your songs. No one can dispute their relevance to the growth of the Nigerian music industry and on no account must you underrate them. Rarely would you find any top artist who isolated himself from their help. You may have heard of DJ Jimmy Jatt and how instrumental he was to the rise and popularity of many A class musicians in the country. The same goes for DJ’s Neptune, Exclusive and others.

Publicize Your Activities

You may have heard the story of the lizard who jumped from a tall Iroko tree to the ground. The outcome was that even when no one applauded, it still didn’t fail to acknowledge itself for such self heroic act. The lesson from this is that there are no bigger and greater publicist than yourself.

While promoting your songs, endeavour to maximize the online media platforms in showcasing your social outings. Always make it a point of call to carry any news worthy event about your self no matter the occasion. If, for instance, you’re on stage performing in a street jamz, do not hesitate to upload the photographs or video to your online media accounts. It’s quite easy to carry out this task. The tools to use here are: a personal blog and your social media accounts (Twitter,  You tube, Facebook, Google+, BBM, Whatsapp etc).

Make Connections

In the middle of promoting yourself, there are chances that you may get in contact with top players in the industry. While some are those you directly come in contact with during your outdoor events, others may be as a result of your social activities online. However, it is important you take note of their personal contacts and other necessary details. These informations will come in handy when you need them. At this stage of your career every little information counts.

Develop a Promo Package

While you may want to send your demo to a record label, consider having a well developed promo package. Your promo package should consist of the following.

• A Demo (CD Recording)
• A digital picture of yourself ( Photoshop)
• A detailed contact information
• A personal blog
• Your social media account ( Twitter, You tube, Facebook, Whatsapp etc)
• A press kit ( a detailed record of events, shows, PR and news worthy activities you were involved in).
The aim of a promo pack is to project everything about you in a professional and presentable light.

Maintain Professionalism When Signing a Record Deal.

At this point you need to get yourself a trustworthy representative. If you cannot afford a contract lawyer, then get yourself a good manager. Anyone with a vast understanding of the industry can be your manager. But, it’s in your best interest you go with someone you’ve known his antecedents. Be wary of opportunist and selfish personalities. You don’t  want a situation where someone puts you into perpetual bondage all because of the money. So be sure you look at the content of what is in the contract, before appending your signature. While it’s true that record labels finance the dream of upcoming artist into reality, it is also fair to say that they in turn expect to make profits from that investment. Make sure you strike a balance that ends up benefitting both you and the company on the long run. If otherwise, then forego the deal and move on with your career.

https://www.pandanaija./2015/07/01/9-best-ways-to-promote-your-music-in-nigeria/

Cc. Airmark, Ijebabe, Nex. front page pls

nice

nice one boss..

Well said bro..as an upcoming artiste dah has never released à single track,I keep on learning new things on Nairaland everyday and am gathering all d points together so as to be able to achieve greatness.. Good bless us all

sathel:
Well said bro..as an upcoming artiste dah has never released à single track,I keep on learning new things on Nairaland everyday and am gathering all d points together so as to be able to achieve greatness.. Good bless us all

You're welcome bro. Just keep your head up, you'll definitely reach your dreams.

Wow, great talk

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EST WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC IN NIGERIA FREE AND SUCCEED

BEST WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC IN NIGERIA – What’s the essence of singing if not to make it big or blow. Every upcoming stars who has music as a calling, wants to make it big in the music industry. In fact they want to make their fame noised abroad. The major question that lingers their heart usually is how do they promote their music?. Its the right question to ask except music is not your thing.
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We have some of the best major record labels like Mavin, Kennis Music, Chocolate city and Storm records, these aforementioned may not really want to promote you, they may not want to help package your music or promote your songs based on some reasons best known to them. Are you going to fold your arms and watch your career go down the drain? Or you are going to take the bull by the horn? This means that you will need to take up responsibility as your own music promoter and package your songs and promote your music. The very how you can make that happen is what i will be sharing with you on this publication and trust me, you are going to love this and thank me for this later.

The Nigeria major music record labels, usually do not sign young raw talents. In fact you have show how talented and good you are to great degree before you can be even noticed by these top music records or music promoters and marketers. Unlike in America where big labels like Sony BMI, Rockafella and Young money records can sign up an artiste based on raw talent alone. Yeah. We have seen such happen over and over again.

I have come in contact with many upcoming stars who sad because of the huge bucks and cash involved, they could not promote their music on the radio stations. Yeah through as it may sound it’s not entirely true. This has prompted thoughts like if only I had a record label/marketer/promoter. We will talk about how you can promote your music on radio and Tv stations soon.

BEST WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC IN NIGERIA

You must understand something. The future of your music career does not really depend on the fact that you must necessary have money or big money before you can promote your music. Nope. Money is though involved but you can do it yourself without killing yourself trying to get all the cash in this world. This means you don’t have to rely on any record label, marketer or promoter.
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