Nigerian singer Cynthia Morgan, popularly known as Madrina, has issued a public service announcement to upcoming artistes, cautioning them against signing away their masters to record labels permanently, regardless of the financial pressure or circumstances they may face.
In a post shared on her Instagram page, the singer stressed that knowledge and legal guidance should be every artiste’s closest allies in navigating the music industry.
“Dear artiste, no amount of money, ignorance or desperation should make you sign your masters to a label in perpetuity. If you must make art, continuous knowledge and an entertainment lawyer should be your best friend,” she wrote.
Morgan’s warning adds her voice to a growing chorus of Nigerian music industry figures who have taken it upon themselves to educate upcoming artistes on the realities of the entertainment business.
During the widely publicised drama between Seun Kuti and Wizkid, singer Jaywon had similarly addressed young artists, cautioning those who equate success with streaming numbers, public relations machinery, and flashy spending, arguing that these do not define an artist’s true worth.
Afrobeats global star Burna Boy had also weighed in, urging upcoming acts not to be swayed by Twitter polls and social media validation, warning that online popularity does not translate to real-world impact, such as filling stadiums. He challenged artistes to aim higher or pivot to the business side of the industry.
MAVIN Records founder Don Jazzy offered a different but equally valuable perspective, sharing how he personally reached out to artistes including Ayra Starr, Boyspyce, and Bayanni, and encouraging upcoming acts to build a visible presence on social media rather than waiting to be discovered.
