DO LOCAL MUSICIANS RESPECT THEIR FANS?

From my experience working with artists, these are some of the things I've identified and think local Musicians around Africa  should take into consideration. As a  Music Industry consultant , I just have my own views and opinions that come from a good place with good intentions:

* As a Musician, after identifying your target audience, you need to know how many they are in numbers&come up with methods to attract them

* The market is open for local Hip Hop, afrobeat and dancehall to shine, they must stop fighting for accolades and start making good music for their fans

* Being a Musician is not only about Fame and having a hit song….Treat it like a job and your work will speak for itself

* Fans are people that buy cds,download and stream music your music online  and go to your shows,buy your merchandise  the rest are just selling you dreams

* Not every follower on Twitter is a fan, you can have 100k followers but still sell less than 5000 copies of your album…

* You can have the biggest hit in the country, but it doesn’t mean everyone knows about you…always strive to reach out to more people

* The quality of your brand is showcased in your:
1. Music
2. Music Videos & album artwork
3. Online Presence
4. Live Performances
5. Image

* As a musician you need to be relevant on the streets and the mass media….Positive word-of-mouth does wonders for your brand

* As a Musician your fans are more important than the media, rather kiss your fans’ asses than the media’s cause the media can destroy you

* Never refuse to take a picture with your fans, no matter how busy you maybe. I’ve seen many local musicians refuse to take pictures with their fans.

* Never take fans for granted when they ask for autographs, it might look stupid to you but it means a lot to them.

* Make it easily accessible for your fans to communicate with you, employing someone to run your Twitter page doesn’t give you that complete interaction with your fans. Be genuine!!

* The concept of PR for music is not defined by books, you can use your brain to be innovative

– In a nutshell, your fans are the most important people in the music career and always find innovative ways to make your brand relevant and have longevity.