Things Artists need to consider before accepting shows.
Omah Lay and Tems’s experience in Uganda has shown the importance of ensuring that artists tie all loose ends before performing abroad or commencing tours. Omah Lay and Tems stated that they were not aware that the organisers had not met the Ugandan government’s corvid standards and would not have participated if they were aware. Whilst this is most likely true, one cannot help but wonder what could have been done that would have prevented this from occurring in the first place.
Performing outside your locality is essential for artists. It allows you to gain more fans, increase your outreach, and meet your fans in other countries. It develops your brand as an international artist and is a source of income. It provides a means of selling merchandise (where the artist has one) and having a great time in another country/region. However, it does have its complications, especially if it is to a country the artist isn’t familiar with. This article considers some of the factors an artist should consider before travelling for a show or performance.
- Contracts and Bookings:
It is essential to have a contract between the artist all parties involved stating clearly the terms, conditions and agreements between all parties. This ensures that all parties know their responsibilities, duties, and everyone knows what to expect from each other. It also helps should there be a dispute, and it will also serve as a reference point throughout the show. You should engage a lawyer to draft or review the contract on your behalf to ensure you are adequately protected and inform you of your expected duties. The agreement should clarify issues such as payments and payments date, indemnities, insurance, and contain guarantees. Lastly, the artist or his manager should ensure that the promoter and all parties involved have perfected the booking and secured the venue to prevent last-minute surprises.
- Deposits:
Promoters often pay deposits to the artist before the show. Historically, promoters paid 50% about a month to the chosen date, and it’s still seen as the industry’s standard. Deposits act as a guarantee and serve as proof of the promoter’s commitment to the show’s success. The deposit reduces the chances of the show being cancelled, or your booking being withdrawn as they have spent money to guarantee your presence.
- Logistics:
Logistics play a huge but often overlooked role in the success of a show. Logistics involves travel plans, accommodation, the artist’s welfare and band members, and many more. These things are not well done; it could negatively affect the artist and his band, thereby resulting in a mediocre performance. How may you ask? For example, the travel plans are not well structured; the artist may end up getting to the show late, tensed and be received by fans who are not quite pleased to have been kept waiting to see their stan. Also, where the accommodation isn’t suitable or comfortable, it will affect the artist as they may be cranky or tired due to lack of comfort. It is often advisable to have a tour or road manager or have your personal manager take care of this, allowing you to focus on other things.
- Relevant Documentations:
This is particularly essential when going to a foreign country. You want to ensure you have all necessary documents to cross the international border. Failure to do this may lead to the show being cancelled, and the artist being turned away. You want to ensure that your passport is updated, and you have a work permit if required. It is important not to assume, as different countries have different requirements. You also want to ensure, cross-check and confirm that the promoters have obtained all relevant documents and permits to organise and hold the show. This is to prevent the show being cancelled or the artist being arrested, as was seen with Omah Lay and Tems. It is best to have clauses in the contract that place liability on the promoters and organisers should something go wrong due to their error or omission. It is also advisable to do due diligence to ensure all relevant permits have been obtained, and such permits and documents are authentic. Better safe than sorry.
- Equipment and Venue:
An artist should ensure that the show’s equipment is quality and standard, ensure that the fans have a great time, and the performance is quality. Poor sound, lightning, and lack of proper security arrangements can ruin a show. While the artist may not have contributed to it, it will reflect poorly on him. If the sound isn’t great, the fans will not enjoy the artist’s music and performance, leaving them with a bad memory and may affect the artist’s brand. The artist will also want to ensure the safety of his fans. Where a problem occurs as a result of security lapse, it will reflect poorly on the artist. For example, the press will have a field day reporting such incident and will always link it to the artist’s show, even though the artist wasn’t directly involved.
Bonus: You may want to find out if your show will be recorded, and if you or the promoter can exploit such recording, you get some share from it. Different performances of A-List artists such as Beyonce have been recorded and exploited by streaming services. It can also be uploaded on your personal YouTube account, for your fans to watch or re-watch, while you earn from the streams. It also gives your fans who missed the event a chance to experience it, albeit belatedly.
Lastly, stay up to date with all you need to know about African music at SOA, right here.
Things Artists need to consider before accepting shows.
I am a Nigerian qualified lawyer with over 3 years of post-qualification experience. I’m an alumnus of the University of Lagos and the Queen Mary University of London where I completed a master’s degree in corporate commercial law with a distinction. I’m also a drummer, a lover of dogs and an avid gamer.
Over the years, I have offered corporate and commercial services to companies, businesses and start-ups and provided advisory services to artists and record labels. I currently work with Laude London, a music management consultancy firm which offers publishing, sync placement, branding, and A&R services to artists.
