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The seventh edition of Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC) was held recently at the Cultural Centre Complex in Cross River State, with entertainment lawyer, Amanda Uzoagba, providing insights into what artistes need to consider before signing a contract.
“The importance of signing a contract is to stipulate the nature of the relationship an artiste will have with a record label”, Uzoagba said during the panel session titled Contracts and the Music Industry.
She continued: “In too many cases, artistes are blinded by the allure of big numbers and overlook the fine print in their contracts. I’ve encountered an artiste in Enugu, who unknowingly signed away 13 years of their career to a label. It’s a stark reminder that knowledge and diligence are vital in the music industry.”
Moderated by radio personality, Bisong Fortune, the informative panel session also featured US-based Nigerian musician, Challex D Boss, who shared real-life examples relevant to the entertainment industry.
“From my experience, I’ve learned that making music in Nigeria is actually easier than in America because the bureaucratic paperwork overseas can be overwhelming,” Challex said.
While the process appears easier, which has benefitted the Nigerian music industry, as it is easier to record in Nigeria and export abroad, Challex noted that it is necessary for artistes to understand the terms properly and demand what they want.
“As a young artiste, landing your first record deal can feel like a dream come true, especially with the promise of money. But what does the record label want from you? I once signed a contract with a label just to record five EPs for them.”
Organised by Hit FM, the CEC is the most prominent roundtable entertainment discussion in South-South Nigeria. With the theme “Uniting Creativity And Business In Entertainment,” this year’s event not only attracted some of Nigeria’s top entertainers and industry experts, but also aimed to establish itself as one of the leading voices in the advancement of the entertainment industry nationwide.
The CEO of HIT 95.9 FM, Patrick Ugbe, said: “We have undertaken this event several years now, with the understanding and strong belief that the creative industry is the fastest to get our young people out of poverty into gainful engagement.
“Therefore, we bring industry experts and professionals annually who come to provide mentorship and guidance with the hope that a good number would learn and grow.”
The Governor of Cross Rivers State, Bassey Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, said the state will continue to partner with Hit FM and other like-minded entertainment advocates with a goal to create more jobs and opportunities for young people.
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