Take a break: You’re belting out your latest hit in the bathroom, using your hairbrush as a microphone. The tiles are your adoring fans, and the shower curtain is your stage. Congrats, you’ve just sold out Eko Hotel’s Convention Centre! But jokes aside, if you’re a talented artist struggling to make it big beyond your bathroom acoustics, you might be missing a crucial piece of the puzzle – the right manager.
The Role of an Artiste Manager
So, what does a manager actually do, besides rocking a fancy agbada and yelling “Oya now!” into their phone? In reality, a manager is your career’s secret weapon. They’re part strategist, part cheerleader, and part lion – fighting for your interests in an industry that can sometimes feel like a Lagos traffic jam in fancy clothes.
The Nigerian music scene has gone global faster than you could have imagined and managers are more crucial than ever. They navigate the choppy waters of record deals, streaming platforms, and social media strategies, all while making sure you don’t accidentally tweet something career-ending during LASTMA’s latest traffic update.
Signs You Might Need a Manager
- You’re spending more time answering DMs than making music.
- The thought of negotiating a contract makes you want to hide under your mosquito net.
- Your “tour” consists of your cousin driving you to open mic nights in Ikeja.
- You’ve considered starting a GoFundMe to buy Instagram followers. (Please don’t.)
What a Great Manager Brings to the Table
- Industry Connections: A good manager knows everyone from label execs to the guy who books the hottest spots in Victoria Island. They’re like the center of a giant asoebi network, but for the music industry.
- Business Acumen: While you’re crafting the next Afrobeats banger, they’re crunching numbers and reading the fine print. Think of them as your personal music industry danfo driver, navigating you through the chaotic streets of contracts and royalties.
- Career Strategy: They see the big picture. You might be focused on your next gig at The New Afrika Shrine, but they’re plotting how to get you on stage at the O2 Arena in London.
- Emotional Support: The music biz can be brutal. A great manager is there to pick you up when your GCGT audition doesn’t go as planned. They’re the ones reminding you that even Don Jazzy had to start somewhere.
Finding the Right Fit
Starting your search for a manager is like finding the perfect jollof rice – it takes time, but when you get it right, it’s magic. Begin by networking at industry events, asking for referrals from other artists, and maybe resisting the urge to slide into their DMs with “Wetin dey? You wan manage me?”
When you do meet potential managers, ask them about their vision for your career, their other clients, and how they handle conflicts. And watch for red flags. If they promise to make you “bigger than Davido” overnight or ask you to sign anything in palm oil, it might be time to do a quick ‘Gbese’ and exit stage left.
The right manager can take you from performing at small joints in Surulere to headlining the Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged.
When to Hold Off on Getting a Manager
Sometimes, it’s too early to bring a manager on board. If you’re still figuring out your sound, or if your fanbase consists entirely of your family’s WhatsApp group and that one supportive Uber driver, you might want to hold off. Focus on honing your craft and building a local following first. Remember, even Olamide had to start somewhere before he could “Science Student” his way into our hearts.
DIY Management Tips
Not ready for professional management yet? No wahala! Here are some DIY tips:
- Get social media savvy. Build your brand online, but remember: Twitter fights with trolls are not a marketing strategy.
- Network like your career depends on it (because it does). Attend industry events, open mics, and collaborate with other artists.
- Learn the basics of music law. Knowing your rights is crucial unless your career goal is to star in a Nollywood cautionary tale about artists who got duped.
- Set goals and create a timeline. Where do you want to be in a year? In five years? On The Headies stage or still singing to your hairbrush?
The right manager can be the missing piece that takes you from the bathroom vocalist to the Felabration headliner. They’re the Olamide to your Fireboy DML, the Don Jazzy to your Dr. Sid, and the suya to your cold beer. (Okay, maybe that last one doesn’t quite work, but you get the idea.)
Remember, your talent got you this far, but the right manager can take you to places you’ve only dreamed of. They’re not just investing in your career; they’re investing in you as a person. And that’s worth more than all the views on Boomplay (although those are nice too).
So, are you ready to unlock your star potential? Do you feel like you’re on the brink of something big, but need that extra push to break through? Well, here’s a little secret: Mavin Grandpa might just be the artiste management guru you’ve been looking for.
With years of experience in the Nigerian music industry and a track record of turning promising talents into bona fide stars, Mavin Grandpa could be your ticket to the big leagues. So why not reach out? Who knows, your next bathroom concert could be a dress rehearsal for Eko Atlantic City.
Don’t let your dreams stay dreams. Take the plunge, reach out to Mavin Grandpa, and let’s turn that hairbrush into a real microphone. Your future fans are waiting, from Ikeja to Ikoyi, from Abuja to Abroad!
0 Comments