THE ALBUM AFTER - the big break

You can do it again.

Not everyone would be lucky to have non-stop success like Psquare or a big second chance like Olu Maintain. For some artistes, that big break may only happen once. But you can do it again.

Your first big break is not an affirmation that you should party away the proceeds you get from your first opportunity.  Honestly, you have not arrived, since it’s your first album, you only just broke in.  But can you afford to stay in and on top? Well, unless you are satisfied with one good album.  Considering the state of the Nigerian music industry, you have to put more effort into staying at the top because of the steady influx of fresh talents and speedy growth of the industry.

There are people who you met in the game who are now your competitors and there are artists coming up and hoping they take your new found spot probably because they think you are a fluke.

After your first album, your focus should be on doing it again; making that magic happen again.

Therefore, after your big break first album or single:

1.      Don’t Relax

You should make an effort to identify your fans.  Know them, recognize them and gather them.  Build and grow your fan base. This is so that there is a set of people to sell your next project to and there is a group of people who would still be talking about you.  You can fall back on them to spread word about you while you prepare for your next project.

2.     Milk the opportunity

Strive to get as much as you can from every opportunity that comes your way during this first break of yours. Make most of the cash, connections and attention.  Be careful.  Don’t be in a hurry to close a door and if you have to, close gently.  Don’t take any item for granted and don’t waste away your ‘profits’ forgetting that you are on a journey.  Don’t just be the creative music artiste, be a business man. Take opportunities like shows and endorsements seriously. Build a good reputation especially before event organizers and the corporate world. I’m not saying be a saint but I’m saying keep doors open for yourself. 

3.     If you can write songs…

If you get inspired during this busy period of yours, you can steal time to write some new songs for your next project.   You will travel, meet new people, share new experiences; hence you would have a lot to share in your next project. 

4.     When your first ‘break’ season begin to die down, take a break and go prepare.  Write and record new songs.

5.     Finance: make good use of your resources especially financial, so you can better focus on your creativity. Channel them right.

6.     Seek for better management of your business and talent.  If your current management can’t match up with the pace at which your career moves you might need to seek better hands. They either catch up or you move on. No sentiments attached. This doesn’t mean you should breach any contract that you both are in but if your contract is over, this option can be very much considered.  This decision should be well deliberated.  If your choice is to move, close the door gently while you leave, who knows...