Dear future musicians,
I wanted to share a picture from my past during the years 2010-2011 when I was signed under Superhouse Records. It was an incredible journey during which I had the opportunity to release my hard copy CD, "Ngifunawena wedwa," which achieved platinum sales and earned me a Sales Award. This was followed by the release of "Dzinginisa nhloko," part of the Super House 7 album, which garnered over 100,000 hard copy sales.
These accomplishments were a testament to the hard work and dedication I poured into my music. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that taught me the value of persistence and staying true to my artistic vision.
I share this with you, future musicians, to encourage you on your own musical journeys. Remember that success is not always immediate, but through perseverance and unwavering commitment, you can achieve great things. Embrace every opportunity, learn from both triumphs and setbacks, and never lose sight of your passion for music.
Believe in yourself and your talent, and keep pushing forward. The path may be challenging, but with determination and a love for what you do, you can pave your way to success.
Shameful news. Both of my albums performed well, yet I never received even 5% of the revenue from physical sales, airplay royalties, and publishing royalties. The record company conveniently placed everything under their name, leaving me with nothing but a laughable claim to my producing rights. It's quite an absurd situation.
Let me clarify, though, that I'm not implying that all record companies are opportunistic devils out to rip off artists. The music industry, like any other, has its fair share of luck and fortune. Some artists sell platinum or gold records, become favorites in their company's management, and are compensated accordingly, even receiving bonuses upfront. They become the cherished gems, the golden flowers in their company's garden, showered with wealth. Unfortunately, not all of us share the same luck.
I can still vividly recall when I signed with Lingas Entertainment by DR MALINGA back in 2015. I naively believed that my career would take off, that my talent and hard work would finally be recognized and rewarded. Alas, reality proved otherwise. The management cheated, leaving me with a bitter taste of disappointment and betrayal.
But let me not dwell solely on the negative. Despite these setbacks and injustices, I have learned valuable lessons along the way. I have become resilient, determined to protect my artistry and ensure that my efforts are duly recognized. This music industry might be a game of chance, but I refuse to let it define my worth or dampen my passion.
To my fellow artists, I urge you to stay vigilant, educate yourselves on the intricacies of contracts and agreements, and be assertive in protecting your rights. Not every record company will have your best interests at heart, but with knowledge and a strong voice, you can navigate this treacherous terrain.
Let's not be discouraged by the shadows cast by a few opportunists. Instead, let us focus on creating music that resonates, on honing our craft, and on connecting with our audience. Our artistic integrity will transcend the betrayals and falsehoods, and in the end, our talent and authenticity will prevail.
In unity and strength.
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.jpeg "Gigaba _ S'yashu Bhesha")
