In the glittering world of Afrobeats, few names shine brighter than Wizkid. Yet, behind the scenes of his meteoric rise lies a cautionary tale that every aspiring artiste should heed. Recent revelations by entertainment lawyer Oluyemisi Falaye have brought to light the stark realities of record contracts and the importance of legal guidance before signing on the dotted line.
The Deal That Changed Everything
When Wizkid signed with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) in 2009, he was an ambitious newcomer eager to make his mark. Under EME, he released two career-defining albums: 'Superstar' (2011) and 'Ayo' (2014). These albums catapulted him to stardom, but the contract terms he agreed to have had lasting consequences.
According to Falaye, EME still owns the master rights to both albums and receives a staggering 80% of all revenue generated from them. Wizkid, the creative force behind the music, receives only 20%. Even more startling, the contract reportedly states that this revenue split is in perpetuity—meaning EME will continue to earn 80% forever, regardless of how successful Wizkid becomes or how much revenue the albums generate in the future.
The Impact on Wizkid’s Career
The implications of this deal are far-reaching:
- Performance Restrictions: Wizkid cannot perform songs from his first two albums at shows unless Banky W and EME receive 80% of the show’s earnings related to those performances.
- No Renegotiation: The contract, as revealed by Falaye, does not allow Wizkid to renegotiate or buy back his master rights. Even if he wanted to reclaim control, the legal door is firmly shut.
- Revenue Disparity: Those two albums remain some of the most lucrative in Banky W’s catalogue, reportedly generating more income than his entire body of work combined.
Lessons for Upcoming Artistes
Wizkid’s story is a powerful reminder for every up-and-coming artiste:
- Never Sign Without Legal Advice: Contracts are binding. Always consult an experienced entertainment lawyer before signing any deal.
- Understand Your Rights: Know what you’re giving up—especially when it comes to master rights and revenue splits.
- Think Long Term: Short-term fame should not come at the expense of lifelong earnings and creative control.
The music industry is filled with stories of talented artistes who lost out because they didn’t understand the fine print. Wizkid’s experience with his first two albums is a wake-up call: protect your art, your rights, and your future. Don’t let excitement blind you to the realities of the business—read every contract, ask questions, and get professional advice before you sign.
#MusicIndustryTips
#ArtistRights
#WizkidContractReveal
No comments:
Post a Comment