Music Publishing and Royalties in Nigeria – What Every Artist Should Know
Music Publishing: The Backbone of the Music Business In today’s music industry, publishing means power. If you’re not talking about publishing, you’re missing the money. Music publishing ensures that songwriters and composers get paid whenever their music is used—whether it’s streamed, performed live, played on radio, or featured in films. But publishing goes beyond just making music. It’s about: Licensing Tracking usage Collecting royalties Protecting your legal rights Bottom line? Music publishing turns your sound into a sustainable income stream. The Role of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) is the national body protecting your creative rights. Established under the Nigerian Copyright Act, the NCC ensures your work is not only respected—but also monetized. The NCC partners with Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) like the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MSCN) to help track music use, collect royalties, and pay artists. Pro Tip: Register your works with a recognized CMO. It’s one of the smartest ways to secure your royalties. Understanding Music Royalties Royalties are your reward for creating music—but not all royalties are the same. Here’s a quick guide: Mechanical Royalties – From physical sales and downloads (e.g. CDs, iTunes). Performance Royalties – When your music is played in public (radio, clubs, events). Sync Royalties – When your track is used in visual content (ads, films, games). Streaming Royalties – Paid every time your music is streamed online. These income streams can overlap. The more you understand, the more you earn. Demystifying Royalties – Why It Matters Many artists miss out on earnings simply because they don’t understand how royalties work. Demystifying royalties brings: Clarity on where your money comes from Smarter choices in licensing and distribution Stronger trust with labels and platforms The Benefits of Royalty Transparency For Artists: Financial Confidence – Predictable, fair payments Stronger Deals – Knowledge = leverage Better Relationships – Transparency builds trust For Platforms (like Hafrikplay): Attracts Artists – Fair systems bring serious talent Avoids Legal Risks – Clear, legal royalty structures Drives Innovation – Better data means better user experiences For Labels: Retains Talent – Artists stay where they’re paid fairly Improves Accounting – Simpler royalty tracking Boosts Reputation – Transparency earns respect For Nigeria’s Music Industry: Drives Growth – More music = more jobs and money Global Investment – Transparent systems attract investors Cultural Impact – Empowered artists grow Nigeria’s global sound The Other Side – Challenges of Transparency Of course, clarity comes with its own hurdles: For Artists: Royalty data can be complex and overwhelming For Platforms: Transparency demands top-tier tech and skilled teams For Labels: Artists with insight may renegotiate or walk away Still, the benefits outweigh the challenges. A transparent system builds a stronger industry for everyone. Final Note: Knowledge Is Your Royalty Weapon This isn’t just about dropping hits—it’s about owning your music journey. Understand your publishing.Demystify your royalties.Secure your future.
Impact of Streaming on Artist Revenue
The music industry has seen a major shift over the last decade, with streaming becoming the central force in music consumption and distribution. Gone are the days when artists relied heavily on physical CD sales or digital downloads. Today, streaming platforms have redefined how artists connect with fans—and more importantly, how they earn. Streaming Is Now the Standard According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), streaming accounted for over 62% of global music revenue as of 2020. This means more people are listening to music through digital platforms than ever before. For artists, this shift represents both a challenge and a massive opportunity. How Do Artists Get Paid from Streaming? Streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube pay artists per stream, often between $0.003 and $0.005. This means it takes thousands—and sometimes millions—of streams to generate substantial revenue. While this model heavily favors established artists with large followings, it still holds value for up-and-coming musicians: Exposure to a wider audience Data insights to better understand fan behavior Opportunities to leverage visibility into brand deals, gigs, and sync licensing Streaming may not be the sole source of income, but it plays a critical role in building a sustainable music career. Streaming Has Changed the Way Artists Release Music Because of how streaming works, many artists now prioritize releasing singles and EPs over full albums. This is a strategic move to maintain listener engagement, stay relevant, and increase streaming numbers. Listeners now expect: Quick, consistent music drops Shorter, attention-grabbing songs Engaging visuals and rollout strategies This evolution in release strategies highlights how streaming platforms influence not just earnings—but creativity too. Streaming Is Part of a Bigger Revenue Picture For most artists, streaming is just one part of a larger income puzzle. When done strategically, it can amplify other revenue streams: Live performances: Fans who stream your music are more likely to buy concert tickets. Merchandise: A strong digital presence boosts brand identity and merch sales. Brand partnerships: Streaming stats and fan demographics attract endorsements. Sync deals: Music on streaming platforms can be picked for ads, films, or games. The Pros and Cons of Streaming Revenue Pros: Global exposure Real-time feedback from listeners Lower distribution costs compared to physical media Cons: Lower payout per stream High competition and content saturation Difficulty standing out without strong promotion Final Thoughts: Stream Smart, Build Smart While streaming might not immediately fill your bank account, it opens doors that traditional models never could. It’s not just about getting played—it’s about being discovered, understood, and supported by real fans. The artists who embrace the tools of the streaming era and pair them with smart branding and performance strategies are the ones shaping the future of music. Streaming is here to stay. The smart artist learns how to make it work in their favor.
How to Create Effective Music Marketing Strategies in Nigeria
In the ever-vibrant world of Nigerian music, one thing that is clear: talent alone no dey carry you reach Grammy. The real sauce? Smart, creative, and intentional music marketing strategies that push an artist from “who be this?” to “this jam dey everywhere!” As a music curator at Hafrikplay, a music streaming and consultancy platform, I’ve seen firsthand how the right strategy can blow up an artist overnight. This article is your go-to guide for understanding the magic behind marketing music in Naija. What is Music Marketing? Music marketing is how you sell sound. It’s the promotion of songs, albums, and the artist’s brand through strategic content, social media, influencer campaigns, and platform placements. Think of it as the engine that drives visibility, giving artists the exposure they need to build a fanbase, boost streams, and land gigs. Without it, even the best bangers can flop quietly. The Nigerian Music Scene Needs Marketing More Than Ever From Lagos to London, Nigerian music is popping globally. But don’t get it twisted — our market is saturated, competitive, and fast-paced. Artists can blow today and fade tomorrow. Strategic marketing is what gives artists longevity. It helped export Afrobeats, made street-pop mainstream, and gave us breakout stars like Rema, Asake, and Ayra Starr. Marketing is how we go from local to global. Why Music Marketing Matters for Artists? Marketing isn’t just hype, It: Builds awareness Establishes brand identity Drives streams, sales, and show bookings Connects artists with the right audience Turns casual listeners into die-hard fans In short: if talent is the car, marketing is the fuel. Social Media: The Heart of Music Marketing Social media is the new stage. Artists must perform there daily. Show your real self (fans love personality!) Engage in real convos (not just “link in bio”) Share wins, struggles, lifestyle, and BTS moments Social media turns artists into brands. How to Create an Effective Music Marketing Strategy (Step-by-Step) 1. Define the Artist’s Brand Before any rollout, know the vibe. Is the artist a lover boy? Street king? Conscious rapper? Sweet pop babe? Branding na your packaging. Define the look, sound, vibe, message, and target audience. That’s your foundation. 2. Set Clear Goals Don’t just drop music for vibes. Know what you’re trying to achieve: Stream boost? TikTok trend? Show bookings? International collab? Clear goals = focused strategy. 3. Plan a Proper Rollout No rush am ! Use a 3-phase rollout: Pre-Release: Snippets, countdowns, BTS content Launch Day: Visual drops, influencer push, live streams Post-Release: Fan content reposts, remixes, challenges 4. Content is King — But Make it Real Your content must be authentic and consistent. Use: IG Reels + TikTok skits Twitter trends + memes YouTube Shorts WhatsApp teasers (Yes! Still powerful!) Email newsletters (like this one) 5. Leverage Social Media Each platform plays a role: TikTok = Virality Instagram = Branding Twitter/X = Engagement YouTube = Visual experience WhatsApp & Telegram = Street buzz 6. Work with Influencers & Curators Partner with: TikTok dancers Skit makers DJs Playlist curators (Audiomack, Hafrikplay, Boomplay) Campus ambassadors 7. Use Data & Tweak Strategy Track engagement, stream sources, fan demographics. Then adjust: What worked? Do more. What flopped? Replace. How to Apply This in the Nigerian Industry The Nigerian music space is dynamic. Your marketing must reflect: Cultural Trends: Street slang, local dance, native language Budget Realities: Use organic promo (fan support, freemium platforms) Grassroots Reach: Clubs, radio, campus tours, street PR Consistency: No be only drop we dey wait for. Stay visible 24/7. Proven Music Marketing Strategies in Nigeria Strategies Deliverable Tiktok Great hook for artist for virality Collaboration Partners with local and foreign artist to increase visibility Street Posters, club, DJS and radio interviews across cities Freemium Platform Hafrikplay, Audiomack, Spotify for key visibility. Influencer Marketing Use dancers, skitmakers and Content creators Final Word: Shine with Strategy In Nigeria, we don’t just make music — we make movements. And every movement needs a strategy. If you’re an artist or part of an artist’s team, start treating marketing as part of your creation process — not an afterthought. Build that strategy, use the right tools, connect to your audience, and most importantly: stay consistent. Want to get exposures, numbers and create a community ? upload your music on HafrikplayToday. Let’s help you go from underground to mainstream — the smart way.
Comedy Reinvented: How Stonecode is Building a Creative Empire
In a digital world fueled by content, few creators have managed to blend humor, strategy, and vision with the finesse of Stonecode Comedy. With his latest wave of innovations, Stonecode is proving that comedy is more than entertainment—it’s a movement. At the heart of this evolution lies the Stonecode X Creative Campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that has brought together a dynamic circle of creatives from across the industry. This campaign marks a new chapter in Stonecode’s journey—where content creation is no longer a one-man show, but a collective mission. Collaborators include graphic designers, content strategists, video editors, and scriptwriters, all working in sync to amplify the quality, consistency, and originality of every skit that bears the Stonecode name. It’s a behind-the-scenes engine driving a wave of unforgettable, high-quality content. Each release under this campaign carries the mark of meticulous craft. The sketches are sharper. The stories hit harder. The visuals are more compelling. Stonecode isn’t just releasing comedy—he’s curating cultural moments. One of the campaign’s most talked-about highlights is a recent skit inspired by Davido’s newly released “5IVE” album, featuring Stonecode alongside Gilmore,Trench Boy and Paper Chase called the Igberaga Boys, with their signature blend of humor and drama, they brought the excitement of the album to life by imagining a Lagos takeover—where flyers rained from the sky, dropped from a fictional helicopter soaring above the city. The result was pure magic: a viral visual story that amplified the album’s arrival with unforgettable comedic flair. This wasn’t just a tribute. It was storytelling at its best—taking a cultural moment and amplifying it through Stonecode’s comedic lens, turning it into something shareable, cinematic, and undeniably fresh. Coming Soon: The Stonecode X Brand Campaign Package Now, with creative momentum reaching new heights, Stonecode is gearing up to launch the much-anticipated Stonecode X Brand Campaign Package—a bold new avenue for brands ready to make their mark. This upcoming initiative invites brands to connect with Stonecode’s highly engaged audience across platforms like Instagram, TikTok , and Twitter. But this isn’t just about visibility. It’s about authentic connection—embedding brands into stories that are relatable, hilarious, and made to stick. The campaign offers a powerful blend of humor, influence, and strategy—crafted with the same care and quality behind Stonecode’s most iconic skits. For brands looking to break through the noise, this is more than a collaboration. It’s a creative alliance. As the countdown begins, one thing is clear: Stonecode isn’t just building content—he’s building legacy. And this next phase is set to make even more waves. More Than Just Laughs: How Stonecode Comedy is Shaping a New Era of Storytelling There’s something about Stonecode Comedy that makes you pause mid-scroll. Maybe it’s the way he slips into character so effortlessly, or the way a skit that starts with laughter ends up leaving you thinking. But one thing is clear—Stonecode is not just a content creator. He’s grown into a full creative force, wearing multiple hats as a director, editor, cinematographer, and rising actor. And he’s doing it all with a style that’s uniquely his. Behind every funny clip is someone who knows what he’s doing—on and off the screen. Stonecode is hands-on with everything, from writing the jokes to framing the shots and stitching it all together in post. That level of involvement shows in the way his content feels polished but never loses its heart. What makes his work stand out even more are the characters he’s created—like Egbonadugbo, the witty streetwise brother figure, or the beloved Big Purr character, whose energy and charm have made him a fan favorite. These aren’t just roles—they’re extensions of the culture, the kind of characters that feel familiar and real to his audience. But Stonecode’s journey isn’t just about making people laugh. It’s also about creating space for smart, creative brand storytelling. He’s partnered with names like Samsung A06 series, Adbond Real Estate , and was even seen live with Oxlade during the listening party for his latest album. These moments weren’t forced or flashy—they felt like a natural part of the story, and that’s what made them work. To ensure continued growth and innovation, Stonecode launched the Stonecode X Creative Campaign—a system that brings creatives together to push his work to the next level. It’s more than teamwork; it’s a creative ecosystem. What keeps fans loyal is not just the humor, but the authenticity, the cultural depth, and the consistent evolution. Stonecode isn’t chasing fame, he’s crafting something meaningful, sustainable, and impactful. At the core, Stonecode is a storyteller and as his journey unfolds, we’re not just watching. We’re part of it. Follow Stonecode Because every scroll could be your next favorite moment. Instagram: @stonecode_comedy TikTok: @stonecode_comedy X (Twitter): @Stonecodecom LinkedIn: @Olasubomi Alaka
The Role of a Manager in Artist Development
When we talk about successful music artists, we often focus on their talent, hit songs, or electric stage performances. But behind the spotlight stands a powerful force—the artist manager—working tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly. In Nigeria’s fast-growing music industry, artist managers play a crucial role in shaping careers, building brands, and turning dreams into global movements. If you’ve ever wondered what makes an artist thrive beyond the music, this post is for you. Who is a Music Manager? A music manager is more than just the person who picks up phone calls or books studio sessions. They are: Career planners Business strategists Legal protectors Mental anchors And sometimes… even therapists In short, a manager is the backbone of an artist’s career, allowing the artist to focus on their creative genius while they handle the business and planning side of things. Types of Music Managers – And What They Do There isn’t just one type of music manager. Each plays a different role in the artist’s journey: 1. Personal Manager (Main Manager) Oversees the entire career of the artist Makes decisions about branding, image, collaborations, and opportunities Manages bookings, PR, and business growth Functions as the CEO of the artist’s career 2. Business Manager Handles all things financial: income, expenses, taxes, budgeting, investments Ensures the artist remains financially secure and sustainable 3. Tour Manager Manages logistics for tours and live shows Coordinates travel, accommodation, schedules, and artist welfare 4. Production Manager Supervises technical elements like stage design, lighting, sound, and setup Works closely with engineers and production teams 5. Digital/Social Media Manager Focuses on building the artist’s online presence Grows fan engagement across social platforms, YouTube, and streaming apps Helps shape a powerful digital brand in the age of virality Why Music Managers Are Vital in the Nigerian Industry Nigeria’s music scene is booming—but it’s also tough. Managers help artists navigate this dynamic terrain with clarity, professionalism, and strategy. Here’s how: Career Direction and Focus Managers help artists set goals and build a structured path to success. In a highly competitive space like Nigeria, staying consistent and strategic is key. Business and Legal Protection They review contracts, negotiate deals, and protect artists from exploitation by labels or promoters. Brand Building Your image matters. Managers craft and protect the artist’s brand, ensuring they remain attractive to both fans and potential sponsors. Networking and Industry Links From linking artists with top producers to securing endorsement deals, managers use their network to open doors that talent alone can’t unlock. Tour and Performance Planning Managers organize live shows, which remain one of the biggest revenue streams in Nigeria’s music industry. Financial Security They guide the artist on how to manage income, spend wisely, and invest smartly. Marketing and Promotions Managers work with PR teams to hype up new music, concerts, or merch drops—keeping the artist relevant and in the public eye. Crisis Control When controversy strikes, managers step in to manage the fallout, protect reputations, and rebuild trust. Long-Term Growth Good managers don’t just chase hits—they build lasting careers with long-term plans and sustainable goals. The Manager’s Role in Artist Development It’s not just about managing; it’s about developing an artist from raw talent to global icon. Strategic Planning Managers map out business plans, growth targets, and brand partnerships. They ensure every move aligns with the artist’s values and vision. Creative Support From picking the right producer to planning a music release, managers often help shape the sound and visual identity of an artist. Emotional Support Let’s not forget the mental side. The music industry is tough. A good manager celebrates wins and offers encouragement during down moments. Case Study: Wizkid and Sunday Are A shining example is Wizkid and his former manager, Sunday Are. Their partnership was instrumental in Wizkid’s international breakthrough. Sunday Are was responsible for: Securing major shows Arranging international collaborations Guiding Wizkid’s brand into the global spotlight It proves just how vital a manager’s role is behind the scenes. Challenges Facing Music Managers in Nigeria (And How to Solve Them) 1. Lack of Industry Standards The Issue: No unified professional framework leads to exploitation and amateur practices.Solution: Create industry-wide codes of conduct Promote training and certifications Partner with the Nigerian Copyright Commission ( NCC) for structure 2. Ethical Misconduct The Issue: Some managers manipulate or exploit uninformed artists.Solution: Enforce transparent, written contracts Encourage mentorship programs for upcoming managers Strengthen legal protection for artists 3. High Competition The Issue: With thousands of emerging talents, it’s hard to secure and develop top artists.Solution: Launch talent incubation hubs Organize networking forums for managers Collaborate, not compete, to elevate the industry 4. Funding and Infrastructure Gaps The Issue: Limited access to quality studios, distribution, and investmentsSolution: Encourage public-private partnerships Use crowdfunding and brand sponsorships Invest in local digital tools for music creation and distribution 5. Talent Development Challenges The Issue: Lack of structured support systems for up-and-coming artistsSolution: Establish mentorship and development programs Build regional music hubs Foster collaborations with established acts Final Thoughts: A Manager Builds the Legacy A talented artist without a great manager is like a hit song on mute. You might have the melody—but without strategy, no one hears it. Behind every successful music journey is a manager guiding, supporting, and pushing the boundaries. Especially in Nigeria’s fast-paced, global-facing music scene, a solid manager is not just an asset—it’s a necessity. If you’re an aspiring artist manager, understand this:You’re not just managing a career.You’re helping to build a legacy.