No shows. No Tours. No Live Concerts !!!

The advent of the dreaded COVID-19 virus has made life difficult for most individuals all over the world and Artistes are not excluded.

With the absence of music shows and other social events , one of the most basic source of income for artistes worldwide has been blocked .In order to stay afloat , artistes must think smart . Most recording artistes have deviced various ways to continue making money from their craft pending the time the COVID 19 issue is resolved and normalcy is returned .

1) Streaming - The Advent of streaming platforms like Tidal , Spotify ,Audiomack, and Apple Music represents a major step in the digitalization of music and advancement in the utilization of Intellectual Property Rights by artistes. For example, Tidal pays $12.50 dollars per 1000 streams . This is not a bad souce of income for artistes during this period and as such, artistes should endeavour to release new music and promote their music for fans across the world to stream on major music streaming platforms.

2) Virtual Shows - Artistes can utilize platforms like Instagram to organize live shows . Artistes like Davido and Asa appeared an Instagram virtual show sponsored by a music streaming platform in April 2020. They earned their performance fees from these shows . Artistes can also make use of pay per view platforms like Patreon to organize shows online for their fans. Artistes partnering with Brands to promote their Products to fans via their Instagram and Facebook live is also a very good source of revenue during this period .

3) Online Contests - This especially relates to independent artistes. Many online contests and challenges organized by various artistes are also ongoing during this period .Peruzzi's Cicinaati Contest in which the winner will be rewarded with a sum of 500 000 naira is a good example of online contests artistes can jump on during this period. Artistes should also look out for online contests on streaming platforms , Tv and radio stations in order to gain access to some income during this period.

4) YouTube Streaming- In conjunction with the streaming of audio materials , Artistes can make viral videos and visualizers to be uploaded on YouTube . The streaming of YouTube content is also a very effective way of generating some solid revenue for Artistes during this period .

5) Song Writing / Collaborations - Artistes can pitch their demos and unreleased songs to other Artistes or even make official offers to songwrite for fellow artistes . Songwriting songs is an effective way of generating income during this period for Artistes . Collaborations should also be focused on by artistes as they get to access a certain share from the revenue of the songs by signing a split sheet .

6) Merchandise - Artistes can make some good income through Merchandise during this period . Customized Face masks, shirts , merchs , hand sanitizers among other things is a very effective way of getting revenue as fans are bound to buy some of these essential things and also show love to their favourite artistes by supporting them with their purchase .

7) Copyright Infringement - Another way for artiste to generate revenue during this period is to pursue the cases where their copyrights have been infringed . Instances where your song has been illegally sampled , used in a movie or comedy skit, illegally uploaded and other illicit acts, Artistes can negotiate with people who have tampered with their copyrights and license them to use the rights for a particular time in exchange for payment . A good amount of money can come out of a good negotiation deal .

Licensing - Artistes can pitch their songs to Tv shows and Brands . Artistes that License their music gives some rights off their songs to TV shows, Brands and advertising agencies to use for their services in exchange for a compensation that both parties will agree upon . Artistes can consult an entertainment lawyer to know more about ways to license their songs .


In Conclusion , it is pertinent to note that the period of Covid 19 virus is a phase and should not stop hard working and talented artistes worldwide from entertaining their fans and wowing music listeners all over the world with their music while also getting adequate reward for their efforts through the above listed methods .

Written By Iamsynord

Iamsynord is an entertainment lawyer , writer and Recording artiste. He tweets via the handle @iamsynord and can also be reached on idsam700@gmail.clm

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