Do Record Labels In Nigeria Have A Negative Impact On Artists?

A record label is a brand, company, or trademark that markets music recordings and music videos. Record labels go a long way in making sure artists get the publicity they need, and as an artist, if you get a good record deal then it is probably the password you need to ‘blow’. While many upcoming artists look forward to joining a record label at the peak of their career, successful artists look forward to being independent for many reasons. 

Over time, it has become much easier for music artists to release their own music and market it without the help of a record label. As the music industry continues to grow, many artists are beginning to stand on their own and are breaking into the mainstream. Omah Lay, Tems, and Davido amongst many others started as independent artists and are doing great in the industry. Some of the major record labels in Nigeria include Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), Mavin Records, Star Boy Entertainment, YBNL Nation, Chocolate City e.t.c.

Record labels, if looked at from a different angle, can be more of a blessing than a curse to Nigerian artists.  Those who want to retain the rights to their music, keep 100% of the profits and have complete creative control should swerve towards being independent. Many artists who have achieved mainstream success under major record labels have subsequently gone on to explore an independent career. Some of these artists include:

1. Kizz Daniel: Formerly known as Kiss Daniel, Kizz Daniel left the record label G-worldwide in 2017 for his brand known as Flyboy inc. 
2. Tekno: Tekno was initially with MMMG (Made Men Music Group) before he went on to establish Cartel Music.
3. Lil Kesh: Lil Kesh joined the YBNL Nation as an upcoming artiste and like other independent music artists, he started the YAGI Music record label.
4. Reekado Banks: Surprising for everyone, Reekado Banks also left Mavin Records after gaining his ground in the music industry.
5. Simi: Unlike other artists who became independent after joining a record label, Simi’s contract expired with X3M Music in 2019 and that gave her the opportunity to stand alone. 

Record labels pose both cons and pros to music artists. While they can serve as a ladder to success, they can also have a negative impact on the artist. Here are some of the cons associated with record labels in Nigeria: 

• Artists signed to record labels have limited creative control. However, this depends on the type of record deal you have and how flexible it is.
• Artists get less profit. According to Aisosa Okundaye, a PR executive of Chocolate City Record Label, the revenue sharing ratio in the Nigerian music industry is 70-30 or 60-40 with the record label getting the larger part. 
• Transfer of copyright ownership: Record labels own the copyright to all the music produced by the artist, as long as they still have a contract binding them. 
• Bad contract deals: Many record label contracts are designed not to favour the artist but the record label. 

Record labels can be useful for so many reasons. Many rising talents have found their foot in the Nigerian music industry because of record labels. However, artists should be weary as there may be negative effects especially when the record deals are not favourable to the artist. Overall, the impact of the label depends on many factors and will differ for each artist. Artists are expected to carefully study their record contract and be sure that it is fair enough and would be beneficial to their career.