How to Break into Nigeria’s Music Industry

Nicholas Idoko 13 min read

Last Updated on January 26, 2024

Introduction

Breaking into Nigeria’s music industry requires hard work, talent, and strategy. This blog post aims to guide aspiring musicians on how to penetrate the Nigerian music industry. Nigeria’s music industry started in the 1950s with the rise of highlife music.

Understanding Nigeria’s Music Industry

Nigeria’s music industry is a large market-driven system stretching across various subsectors. The music industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Nigerian economy, and revenue from the industry has grown significantly since the 1990s.

The size and scope of the industry

The Nigerian music industry generates billions of dollars in revenue annually.
The size of the industry has increased rapidly due to the rise of digital music platforms.
The industry comprises several sub-sectors, including recording, distribution, and promotion.
Nigeria’s music industry attracts a broad and diverse audience from various parts of the world.

Major players in the industry

Recording Artistes: These are the individuals who create the content that drives the industry, and they include the likes of Davido, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage.
Record Labels: These are companies that produce, distribute, and market music on behalf of recording artists. Some of the significant record labels in Nigeria include Mavin, YBNL, and DMW.
Music Promoters: These are individuals or companies that promote music through online marketing, radio, and music events. Notable players in this category include Soundcity TV, Trace TV, and Cool FM.
Online Music Platforms: These are digital platforms like Boomplay, Apple Music, and Spotify, where users can stream and download music from the various artists in Nigeria.

Factors that have contributed to the growth of the industry

Advent of Digital Technology: The introduction of digital technology has transformed the industry and made it more accessible than ever before.
Large Population: Nigeria has a massive population, and this has created a thriving fan base for artists and an opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Innovation: Nigerian artists are known for their innovative approach to music, fusing different styles and genres, which appeal to a broader audience.
Cultural Diversity: Nigeria is blessed with a diverse culture, which reflects in its music. This diversity fosters creativity and has contributed to the growth of the industry.
Government Intervention: The Nigerian government provides support to the industry by providing infrastructure, tax incentives, and funding. This support has helped to create an enabling environment for the industry to thrive.

To break into Nigeria’s music industry, aspiring artists need to understand the industry’s structure and dynamics.

They also need to work on perfecting their craft, networking, and building a fan base through social media, music events, and other channels.

The music industry is highly competitive, and only the most talented and dedicated artists can survive in the industry.

Therefore, aspiring artists need to be ready to invest a lot of time and effort into their craft and be prepared to face the challenges that come with the industry’s highly competitive nature.

In general, the Nigerian music industry is a vast, growing sector that provides opportunities for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.

The industry is structured in such a way that there are several sub-sectors, including recording, distribution, and promotion, and each sub-sector has major players like artistes, record labels, music promoters, and online music platforms.

To break into the industry, aspiring artists need to understand the industry’s structure, network, perfect their craft, and build a fan base.

It is a highly competitive industry that rewards only the most talented and dedicated artists, so aspiring artists need to be ready to invest heavily in their careers.

Read: The Economic Impact of Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry

Building a Career in Nigeria’s Music Industry

Breaking into Nigeria’s music industry requires more than just talent and passion for music. It takes hard work, dedication, and a solid plan. Here are some tips on how to develop your career in the music industry:

Developing your musical talent

Learn an instrument: Learning an instrument is essential for any musician. It will help you understand the mechanics of music and improve your overall musicianship.
Take vocal lessons: If you are a singer, taking vocal lessons would help you refine your voice and work on techniques that will improve your singing.
Practice, practice, practice: Practice is key to developing your musical talent. Dedicate time every day to practice your instrument and improve your skills.
Collaborate with other musicians: Collaborating with other musicians is a great way to learn and grow as a musician. It can also lead to new opportunities and exposure.

Finding a unique sound and style

Listen to different genres of music: Listening to different genres of music can help you find inspiration and develop a unique sound.
Experiment with different styles: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles of music. It can lead to a unique blend that sets you apart from the crowd.
Write your own music: Writing your own music is an important part of developing your own sound. It allows you to express yourself and create something that is truly unique to you.
Be authentic: It’s important to stay true to yourself and your music. Don’t try to imitate other artists or chase trends.

Networking and making connections in the industry

Attend music events: Attending music events is a great way to network and meet other people in the industry.
Join music associations and organizations: Joining music associations and organizations can also help you make connections and get exposure.
Collaborate with other artists: Collaborating with other artists can lead to new opportunities and exposure in the industry.
Use social media: Social media is a powerful tool for networking and promoting your music. Use platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with fans and industry professionals.

Building a career in Nigeria’s music industry requires hard work, dedication, and a solid plan.

By developing your musical talent, finding a unique sound and style, and networking and making connections in the industry, you can increase your chances of success.

Remember to stay true to yourself and your music, and don’t give up on your dreams.

Read: Building a Career in Nigeria’s Animation Industry

How to Break into Nigeria's Music Industry

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Breaking into Nigeria’s Music Industry

Recording and Releasing Music

Invest in quality audio recording equipment or seek out reputable recording studios.
Work with talented producers and engineers to ensure the quality of your music.
Choose the right genre that fits your talent and connects with your audience.
Collaborate with other artists to expand your fan base and increase your exposure.
Focus on creating content that resonates with your target audience.
Distribute your music on digital platforms like iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud.
Build a strong social media presence to promote your music to a wider audience.

Promotion and Marketing Strategies to Gain Exposure

Develop a unique brand that distinguishes you from other artists in the music industry.
Use online marketing tools like Google AdWords and Facebook Ads to reach potential fans.
Leverage popular social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to engage with your fans.
Sponsor events and concerts to create more visibility for yourself and your brand.
Pitch your music to industry influencers, record labels, and music blogs for coverage and exposure.
Create professional promotional materials like press kits and demo CDs to showcase your talent.
Utilize music events and award shows as opportunities to network with industry peers and potential fans.

Opportunities to Perform at Shows and Festivals

Seek out local venues and open mic nights to build a local fan base and gain performance experience.
Develop relationships with booking agents and event promoters to secure well-paying gigs.
Join music associations and groups to network with professionals and connect with industry insiders.
Apply for music competitions and festivals for a chance to perform in front of a larger audience.
Collaborate with established artists in your genre to open for their shows and reach their fan base.
Consider touring different regions of Nigeria to attract new fans and build brand awareness.
Continuously improve your craft and performance skills to provide the best experience for your fans.

Breaking into Nigeria’s music industry requires hard work, dedication, and talent.

With the right strategies and networking, you can gain exposure and establish yourself as a successful artist.

Remember to focus on quality content, engage with your fans, and continuously improve your craft to create music that resonates with your audience.

Read: Media Regulation in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

Challenges in Nigeria’s Music Industry

Becoming successful in Nigeria’s music industry is a dream come true for many budding talents.

However, the industry is fraught with challenges that can make it difficult to break through and make a name for oneself.

Let’s discuss some of the most common hurdles that upcoming artists face when trying to break into Nigeria’s music industry.

Competition with established artists

One of the most significant challenges facing upcoming artists in Nigeria is competition from established artists.

The industry is highly competitive, and it can be tough to stand out from the crowd when you are up against big names that have been around for years.

Established artists have a large following, and it can be challenging to get noticed when they are releasing tracks at the same time as you.

However, this does not mean that upcoming artists cannot make a name for themselves in the industry.

With hard work, consistency, and quality content, any aspiring artist can become a household name in Nigeria’s music scene.

The key is to focus on developing your unique sound and style that sets you apart from the competition.

Lack of financial support

Another significant challenge that upcoming artists face is the lack of financial support.

This is a significant problem as producing quality music requires considerable investment in production equipment, recording, and promotion.

Not all artists have the financial resources to make this investment, which can limit their chances of making it big in the industry.

However, with the rise of digital platforms, this challenge has become less daunting.

Upcoming artists can use social media platforms, streaming services such as Spotify, and YouTube to promote their music without breaking the bank.

Also, collaborations with established artists can provide a significant financial boost as they share resources and knowledge, benefiting all parties.

Difficulty getting radio airplay

Getting airplay on radio stations is a crucial step in establishing oneself as a successful artist in Nigeria’s music industry.

However, this can be a challenging feat as many radio stations have established relationships with labels and established artists.

This means that upcoming artists can find it difficult to get their songs played on the radio.

One way to overcome this challenge is to work with local radio stations to build relationships and gradually build a fan base.

Artists should also explore alternative ways of promoting their music, such as online platforms that can reach a broader audience and attract new fans.

This approach will provide upcoming artists with an opportunity to get their music out to a broader audience and establish a loyal following.

In short, breaking into Nigeria’s music industry can be a challenging task.

But despite the challenges, upcoming artists can succeed by focusing on developing their unique sound, exploring alternative ways of promoting their music, and building relationships with local media outlets.

The most important thing is to stay committed, consistent, and passionate about their craft, and success will come eventually.

Read: Influence of Social Media on Entertainment in Nigeria

Conclusion

A summary of the main points discussed in this blog post has shown that breaking into Nigeria’s music industry requires a certain level of talent, hard work, dedication, and persistence.

Aspiring artists must understand that there is no shortcut to success in the music industry. They must be willing to put in the necessary work and hone their skills.

Despite the challenges that the industry presents, there is hope for those who are determined to succeed.

The music industry is constantly evolving, and new opportunities are emerging every day. Aspiring artists must stay current and adapt to the changes in the industry.

On a final note, we encourage aspiring artists not to give up on their dreams. Breaking into Nigeria’s music industry is possible, but it requires a lot of effort, patience, and perseverance.

With the right attitude and work ethics, aspiring artists can achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

We call on our readers to pursue their dreams relentlessly and to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.