17/04/2025
Rema's manager, Sean Okeke, was an associate of D'Prince at Jonzing World before he was assigned to manage Rema. Basically, he was employed by the label rather than by the artist. In fact, almost every member of Rema’s team was picked by the label.
Now look at Burna Boy. From his Aristokrat Records days to his current international deal with Warner Music through Atlantic Records, his mother, Bose Ogulu, has been his manager. His sisters, Nissi and Ronami, are also part of his core team. It’s more of a family affair—and he handpicked almost every other member of his team himself, and it worked for him as well.
So, who made the better choice? Rema or Burna?
That’s today’s lesson.
HOW TO BUILD A STRONG TEAM AROUND YOU AFTER GETTING SIGNED OR BLOWING
Getting signed or having a hit song changes everything. That’s the point where your need for a proper team becomes urgent—but here’s the mistake many artists make:
They either rely completely on the label to build that team or try to force friends into positions they’re not ready for.
Let’s break it down:
1. THE MANAGER – YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
Your manager is like your coach, your gatekeeper, and your strategist. They protect your interest—even when dealing with the label.
The trap? Many artists allow the label to assign them a manager. While that’s not always a bad thing, it can easily lead to conflict of interest. Labels may assign experienced managers, but those managers might not understand you. On the flip side, you may want your loyal friend to manage you—but they may lack the experience or network to handle real business.
Shallipopi claimed conflict of interest with Dapper, simply because his manager was picked by the label—which means the manager may be more loyal to the label than to him.
Your manager should work for YOU, and communicate transparently with the label—not be caught in between.
To avoid drama, your record deal should have a clause allowing either you or the label to request a management change if the assigned or handpicked manager isn’t performing.
For example: if Sean Okeke wasn’t delivering, Rema should’ve had the right to request a change during contract renewal. But interestingly, he chose to retain him.
Look for a manager who:
Knows the business
Can say NO to bad deals
Understands timing and long-term strategy
Will not be intimidated by “industry people”
Has soft skills (check my earlier post on this—it’s on my wall)
2. THE LAWYER – YOUR SILENT POWER
Most African artists don’t even know their lawyer’s name. Some don’t even HAVE a lawyer.
But ask yourself: Who reads your contract before you sign it?
Even a short 1-hour consultation with a real music lawyer can save your entire career.
A lawyer is not just for lawsuits. A good entertainment lawyer will:
Negotiate fair splits
Spot shady clauses
Secure your royalties
Make sure you understand your exit options
Pro tip: Your cousin who studied law but doesn’t understand music business is not your entertainment lawyer.
3. THE ROAD TEAM – YOUR STRUCTURE ON THE MOVE
Your music can be amazing, but poor stage coordination or logistics can ruin everything.
Your road team includes your:
Road manager
Tour assistant
Personal assistant
These people help you:
Show up on time
Stay protected from event promoter wahala
Avoid overbooking or double booking
Prevent chaotic performance routines
Ask any successful act who’s been active in shows and live performance—a weak road team can finish you before you finish performing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Getting signed is not the destination, it’s the starting line.
A solid team gives you leverage, structure, and protection.
Don't build your music career like a one-man business.
Surround yourself with people who know what you don't.
FINAL THOUGHT
Whether you’re a street sensation, an Instagram freestyler, or a former choir boy turned Afrobeats star—the day you get signed or have a hit song is the day your team becomes your engine, and no one knows when that day will come.
No matter how big the label is, you need your own loyal, competent people behind you. That’s how stars last.
TOMORROW’S TOPIC:
"FROM LABEL STIPEND TO REAL MONEY – HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR INCOME AS A SIGNED ARTIST."
We’ll break down how to manage your stipend, shows, brand deals, and avoid being rich on Instagram but broke in real life.
