13th January, 2023
Ikwuje Amos popularly known as Amos Flash, or sometimes refer to as ‘Mr Smart’ is one name that cannot be swept under the carpet when you talk about public relations, brand building, and music A&R in Nigeria.
The Enugu State-born, spoke on his journey into the music business and gave out essential tips every upcoming artistes should know
He said: Creativity in so many forms has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, nature inspired the perfect balance of kindness and creativity in everything that I’ve done, i started blogging and writing, and then I informally started doing public relations for artistes, now, I have my personal venture Mysmartconnect Media, a branding and PR agency for artistes and we are growing and evolving.
Having studied Computer Science, Amos had dreams of practicing as a computer programmer before his love for music and media thrust him into the entertainment industry.
His successful PR and branding has represented and rendered services to numerous clients ranging from Tekno, Rema, Vector, Soft, Mystroo, Bad Boy Timz, Ruger, Ugoccie, Jaywillz, Goya Menor, Fave and others.
Amos, who has a lush affair in music writing and blogging, having written numerous editorial content & album reviews for top music blogs in Nigeria, also advised upcoming artistes on tips to be successful in the Nigerian music industry.
He said “Being a successful artist in the mainstream needs a lot of effort, commitment, and, most importantly, attention.
Talent alone is not enough in the music industry, Thus, there are procedures that upcoming artists should frequently adhere to”.
“However, despite your talent, you can find it challenging to succeed due to a few fundamental issues that go beyond just producing quality music”
Noting with his vast knowledge and years of experience as a PR manager, digital entrepreneur, and among others.
He added; “Before thinking about showing it to the world, you must obviously be grounded and solid in your delivery, which simply entails a lot of work”
“There are labels out there with strong and promising artistes, but they haven’t yet made a name for themselves, especially unrecognized labels without any notable artists”
“I will highlight ideas for artists with record labels as well as those without labels who are still trying to get one”
1. Networking
As for upcoming artistes with a label, you’re half baked into the industry, which means your label might lead you through some gigs, like concerts, private parties, media runs and so on.
Networking is key when you find yourself in this position, connect with every single opportunity, exchange numbers or social media handles to industry playmakers, OAP, TV presenters, show promoters, and other
2. Discover your style
Consider your most efficient style, and use the simplest forms rather than those that are the result of deliberate effort.
Your unique style translates into your special grace, don’t follow the crowd or do what works for others, it might not work for you, do what you can do effortlessly
3. Engage in a freestyle or Covers
The highest form of musical creation emerges from freestyle, which also helps artists compose appealing songs because inspiration frequently strikes casually and without careful consideration.
4. Embrace Social media
The remarkable interrelation social media created remains a great enabling factor for upcoming artistes.
5. Monetize your content
In this streaming era, aspiring artists should register with all the streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, YouTube, Youtube music, boom play)
6. Engage in music competitions
There are different kinds of music competitions to enrol for auditions, like, X-Factor, Nigeria’s Got Talent, Nigerian Talent Shows – Celebrity Takes 2, Peak Talent Hunt, Freestyle Unplugged, Nigerian Talent Shows – Dance 234, MTN Battle Of The Year, Nigerian Talent Shows, Star, Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO), Nigerian Talent, Shows – YouWin, Gift Talent Hunt Show.
Enroll in one because you never know when and where the stars will align for you.