B4 I talk about d DOs of d Nigerian entertainment industry, here ar some things u shud neva do as an up-and-comin artiste.
DON’T WEAR EARRINGS, PLAIT UR HAIR OR GET TATTOOS YET
I know why I dey talk am o! If u’r not self-employed, based abroad or ur parents as rich/powerful as Papa Davido or Mama Naeto C & u rush go dey do lik Charly Boy or Denrele, ur journey 2 stardom go long o! Why not wait till u blow 1st na? Dat’s bcos most Nigerians, wit our 1960 mentality, will see u as an irresponsible & unserious person. Everybody will try 2 preach 2 u & ur family go dey look u somehow. They might luv Charly Boy or Denrele as stars but they don’t want dem as a son or friend until u hammer. Flavour nwa mama waited. He wasn’t on dreads wen he started his musical career. Who can tell him 2 cut his dreads now? Ur money or success na d only thing wey go shut dem up. So wait till u blow 1st.
DON’T EXPECT UR FAMILY’S SUPPORT
I no fit shout. Rememba dat a prophet is not appreciated in his own home. Dat doesn’t mean u shud cut dem off from ur life o! They luv u. Though they hate wat u do. Until u blow. Wen u blow, they’l respect & support u.
DON’T DEPEND 100% ON MUSIC O!
Dis na 1 of d main reasons I advice u not 2 get a tattoo, wear earrings or do crazy hairstyles yet. U need a job or at least somethin wey go dey giv u cash. It doesn’t matter if its work as a carpenter, mechanic, electrician, bricklayer, waiter/waiteress, Obioma tailor, gateman or whatever. Don’t b ashamed. So far its legal. Highest highest, people go talk sey dem see Timaya wen him dey sell plantain b4 him blow. So wat? Funny enough, our guy Okwudiri used 2 sell plantain too at Aguda those days. We nicknamed him Maintain. Him go tell us “maintain 2 sustain so dat u can retain 2 chop plantain.” Hehehe… But now we see him dancin in Wizkid’s Jaiye Jaiye video, Banky W’s Jasi video & at live shows. It’l become a part of ur story wen u blow. Music is expensive. Recordin is expensive. Promotion dey costly. Music will not pay u back immediately. E fit owe u for 1, 2 or even more yrs b4 e go pay u. Besides, only very few ar lucky enough 2 hav a sponsor wen they’r still startin.
DON’T DROP OUT FROM SCHOOL
Dis applies both ways. Don’t drop out from school bcos of music & don’t drop out from music bcos of school. Don’t get it twisted sha. Both ar schools. D difference is dat 1 school (formal education) is safer & predictable (i.e 2 + 2 is sure to giv u 4) while d other school (music) is sweeter but very unpredictable (2 + 2 fit giv u 4 or 22 or even 0) Hehehe… Havin a degree is a wise Plan A in case Plan B (Plan BLOW) doesn’t work out. But if at all u eventually decide 2 drop out, u beta use Option C o! Learn a trade, be an apprentice or start a small business so dat hunger no go show u pepper. Bcos owu na bastard!
…to be continued
King kObOkO 