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<p>The need to exit a label the moment you hit a success sprint has sent many young musicians down the drain. Yes, that is the wave of the industry. The hits come fast and instant. Nigerians consume music so fast, a drug that keeps them wanting for the next rave. That is where the problem begins, it is a MARATHON.</p><p></p>
<p></p><p>"I don blow, make this people no dey chop my money"</p><p> It is literally termed, MUSIC CAREER not MUSIC GIG.</p><p>Labels are built and designed to help grow, protect and give an artiste a sense of stability and belonging. A prime example would be Reekado Banks, formerly signed to Don Jazzy's Mavin Record label. After a buzzing run, he left and has since shifted from a budding household name to what we term, a "blown upcoming artiste" and yes! Viktoh, formerly signed to Olamide's YBNL label can catch this shade as well. </p><p>Watching Fireboy DML shine under the YBNL label, despite quick successes, is admirable but sometimes if you stay too long, you may be stagnant and yes! I mean Korede Bello, a "senior" artiste at Mavin Records. Another reputable artiste, Lil Kesh had a massive radio hit run, even created a dance wave called, "Shoki" but he didn't stay long at the label. </p><p>My sights are on Joeboy, signed to Mr. Eazi. Nicknamed, Young Legend, Joeboy is an example of a new wave artiste who is keeping his head down, making good music and harnessing the power of a good record label.
A budding young artiste should set firm roots, learn and stay loyal to the growth and vision. The need to be independent is often misunderstood so there is a flux of independent artistes barely keeping head above water. </p><p>In hindsight, flowers should be given to the successful ones, who went ahead to make a household name of themselves; Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, Tiwa Savage, among many others, void of the few bad eggs.</p>
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MR. INDEPENDENT
By
Bryan Emejor