How To Be a Musician In Nigeria

If you’ve ever thought about pursuing music in Nigeria, you’re not alone. Nigeria has produced some of the most talented and successful musicians on the planet, and the industry continues to grow, offering a lot of opportunities for fresh talent.

From Afrobeat stars like Burna Boy and Wizkid to rising indie artists, the music scene in Nigeria is buzzing with excitement. But getting your foot in the door as a musician in this competitive industry can be tricky.

So, how do you make it? What steps should you take to go from a music lover to a full-fledged artist in Nigeria?

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about becoming a musician in Nigeria—step by step.

I’ll cover the essentials like building your sound, creating a brand, how to get your music out there, and even dealing with the business side of things.

I’ll also touch on the challenges that musicians face in Nigeria and how you can navigate them. Ready to dive in?

Let’s get started.

How Do I Become a Musician In Nigeria?

1. Find Your Sound and Master It

Before you even think about recording music or performing, it’s crucial to find your unique sound. In Nigeria, there are many popular genres like Afrobeat, highlife, gospel, hip-hop, and R&B.

While it’s great to experiment with different styles, it’s important to hone in on a genre that resonates with you.

Why is this important?

In a place like Nigeria, where music is everywhere—from radio stations to nightclubs to street corners—standing out can be tough.

By finding your sound, you create something people can instantly recognize. Whether you’re an Afrobeat artist, a rapper, or a gospel singer, the key is to stay true to what you enjoy and what suits your talents.

Tips for Finding Your Sound:

• Experiment with different genres: Try a few things out, but don’t be afraid to settle into something that feels authentic to you.
• Practice regularly: It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or have been making music for a while—consistent practice helps you get better and refine your sound.
• Listen to others, but don’t copy: There’s nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from top artists, but try not to imitate them too much. Your uniqueness is what will attract listeners.

2. Learn the Business Side of Music

You might be an incredible artist, but in the music industry, being able to handle the business side is just as important.

Nigeria’s music industry is fast-paced, and being unprepared for contracts, promotions, or even managing your finances can hinder your progress.

Understanding the Business:

• Music Distribution: In Nigeria, streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, and YouTube are major ways to share your music. Getting your songs on these platforms is crucial, and it’s easier than you think with distribution services like TuneCore or DistroKid.
• Royalties and Copyrights: Many up-and-coming musicians forget about royalties and protecting their music. Registering with organizations like the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the Performing Rights Society (PRS) will ensure you’re paid for the use of your music.
• Branding and Marketing: In a competitive industry, your brand matters. It’s not just about your music—it’s about how you present yourself. Social media is an excellent tool for growing your audience, but you need a strategy. Consistent posts, engaging with fans, and creating a personal story that people can connect with are all part of building your brand.

3. Build Your Network

Networking is everything in the music business. Connecting with other musicians, producers, promoters, and influencers can open doors for you.

In Nigeria, word-of-mouth is powerful, and having the right people in your corner can make a huge difference in advancing your career.

Ways to Network in Nigeria’s Music Industry:

• Attend events: Go to music festivals, concerts, and industry seminars. Don’t just go to watch—introduce yourself to people and build relationships.
• Collaborate with other artists: Collaboration isn’t just about making music together. It’s a great way to get exposure to new fans and gain credibility.
• Engage on social media: Follow other artists and interact with them on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. If you’re lucky, they might notice you and give you a shoutout.

4. Produce and Release Music

Once you’ve worked on your sound and figured out the business side, it’s time to make music and put it out there. Recording in Nigeria can be expensive, but there are affordable options if you’re starting out.

Getting Your Music Out There:

• Recording studios: Find a good studio that fits your budget. There are plenty of studios in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities that cater to both seasoned musicians and beginners.
• Release your music: Once your track is ready, don’t just keep it to yourself. Use music distribution services to get it on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
• Make sure your music video is eye-catching: A strong visual component can help you gain more traction. Whether you create a simple lyric video or go all out with a full production, video content is vital in today’s market.

5. Promote Your Music Effectively

Promotion is key to getting your music heard. In Nigeria, there are numerous ways to promote your songs and grow your fanbase.

Effective Promotion Strategies:

• Social Media Marketing: Create social media pages on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and post regularly. Engage with your followers and give them behind-the-scenes access to your life.
• Radio and TV: While digital platforms are great, traditional media is still influential in Nigeria. Try to get your song played on radio stations like Beat FM or Soundcity Radio.
• Collaborations with Influencers: Influencers on Instagram and TikTok can help you reach a much larger audience. Work with them to create content around your music.

6. Face the Challenges

Being a musician in Nigeria can be tough. The industry has its ups and downs, and there are plenty of challenges that come with pursuing a music career. Some of the common struggles musicians face include:

• Piracy: In Nigeria, piracy is a major issue. People often download music illegally, which means you may not always make as much money from your streams or sales as you’d like.
• Lack of proper infrastructure: There are not as many venues and opportunities to perform live compared to countries like the U.S. or the U.K. This can make it difficult to get exposure and earn a steady income.
• Financial pressures: As an up-and-coming artist, you might not have the funds to invest in high-quality studio time or promote your music on a large scale.

Conclusion.

Nigeria’s music industry is dynamic, and there are lots of opportunities for talented individuals. But becoming a successful musician in Nigeria requires hard work, dedication, and an understanding of both the creative and business sides of music.

You’ll face challenges along the way, but with persistence and the right strategies, it’s definitely possible to make it.

So, are you ready to take the first step toward becoming a musician in Nigeria? What will you do to make your mark on the industry?