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Wednesday 25 February 2015

TIPS ON BECOMING A NIGERIAN MUSICIAN


I read an article about the worst Nigerian hits of 2014. I must say that that was a blast, each song and its artist was properly washed with hypo, rinsed, dried and properly pegged. Nigeria is a place where persons choose blasting beats over meaningful lyrics. Play a meaningless ‘beatful’ song and you would see people standing and dancing to the gallery.

This year, most youngsters aspiring to be musicians would need a proper guideline on how to be rich and famous. So if you are among such category, relax and be attentive to each line. For those who do not intend to be musicians, or who might want to be in time to come; you are at the right spot.

N.B- These tips apply to you whether working under an upcoming music label or working for yourself as the boss and the boy in yourself contain as your studio and comfort house.

- An Active Social Media Account

The globalization/digitalization of the world has certainly entered Nigeria and Nigerians are harnessing its goodness. An aspiring Nigerian musician must have a social media account particularly a Twitter and Instagram account. The twitter account would be used to relay information to fans about upcoming singles or album, also to reply few haters and ‘bad belles’ of your career. The instagram account would be the home for musical moments either a selfie in the studio, a picture with your fellow upcoming artists, or accidentally with a ‘happening’ musician, celebrity or global figure. This will boost your popularity, increase your fans and expose you to record label contracts.

- A Slight meaningful nickname

This venture requires a stage name. You won’t want to bear that your ugly sounding name 'Gbolegbaramoh' as a stage name except you have a nice sounding name like Tosin Martins, Cobhams Asuquo or Timi Dakolo. Learn from your predecessors who beared names like Egberi papa 1 of Bayelsa, OBO, Starboy, Jogodo master. The reason why the stage name needs a little percent of meaning is for entertainment and music interview, if in case the host asks for an insightful meaning of the stage name you bear(although this doesn't occur again) this will tell the world that your musical sense is balanced.

-A Particular Sound at the First Phase of the Song

This comes in when you have earned up to three stars in your popularity rating. This sound would project into the ears of your fans and foes that you are back again. The memory is a very sensitive organ which helps remembrance because Nigerian music lovers won’t forget intro-sounds of contemporary musicians like ‘youndi’, ‘yaga’, ‘otua’, ‘okokobioko.’ Follow the footsteps of these music artists and I bet you will laying your own footsteps too in few years to come.

-A Combination of Traditional and English Words

Cacophony is a necessity in the present day Nigerian music. A song that would get all legs moving and heads oscillating is the modern Nigerian system, where a club hit(hip-hop) is rated #1 over all other genre of music. The music industry is a money well and you do not want to be lagging behind. Make use of the poetic license properly, make men-mens, men-man and so on. Interchange and speak words as you feel and bear in mind that the sky is a stepping stone.

-An Adequate Respect to GOD

Except you were born and brought up abroad for you to 'absentise' God's name in your song. A good thinking Nigerian must remember to give glory to Him who fattens thy purse. Ensure to worship God in a line within the lyrics of your song. If you have up to eight tracks, try to mention his name in four tracks out of eight. It would be a treason to mention your producers name before or after singing then abandon Oluwa's name.

-An Accurate Use of Musical Slangs

During an entertainment or music interview they are words that a Nigerian musician must use. Words like-

i. It was crazy

ii. You know how it is

iii. You know what am saying

iv. It was massive

v. They showed love

These are standard words mostly used by made musicians but it is permissible for an upcoming artist. Chipping these words when articulating your speech/response would tell that you have studied the industry properly before venturing into it.

-A Video that would Display an Enigma Love for Colours, Frontpart of your Shirt(belt exposure) and Twerking Females

The apogee of success of an upcoming musician is having a music video at least one. This will give you the authority to make a King Kong’s roar amongst other upcoming act in the musical jungle. Your music video should look attractive through the environment where the video would be shot. Dress in a colourful pattern to display your fashion sense and tuck in the front section of your shirt to expose your belt(only if it is expensive). The Nigerian music lovers love semi-nudity(it is a real deal) ensure to use attractive video vixens and twerking females in your video to satisfy your fans.

-Dishing out of Names of Trending and Expensive Products

Ferragamo, Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Givenchy, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini are words you don't want to miss calling in your songs. There are two things you might need to do, either of them-

i. Promise the vixen you are singing to that you would buy her any of the above product

ii. Wear any of the clothing line or use any of the mentioned cars in your music video

Your fans know know that ordinarily you do not own any of such things. Worry not, they will be proud of you when you get it one day



The Bible says that ‘abide by my word and ye shall be saved.’ So I say to you apply these principles, not even Usain St.Leo Bolt can catch you.