Nigerian music journalist, Joey Akan has disclosed that Mavin Records, owned by Don Jazzy, spent $225,000 on song production and release for five artists in the first three months of 2023.
Only seven tracks were allegedly provided for the signees, including those by Ayra Starr, Boy Spyce, Rema, Crayon, and Magixx.
The podcaster provided a hazy summary of how the $225k (about N170 million) budget was allocated for tracks by Boy Spyce and Ayra Starr, among other artists on the microblogging platform, Twitter.
Joey wrote;
"In the first quarter of 2023, Mavin Records have spent an average of $225,000 on dropping music for artists on their roster. The record label have released 7 records from 5 artists, with one from each artist worked through the system as a singles.
How? Why the high cost? Mavins started early. Boy Spyce charged out the gate with 'Folake' on January 25th. 2 weeks later, Ayra Starr's "Sability" dropped on February 9.
Rema would come rushing in with "Holiday" and "Reason You," barely 10 days later, on February 15. Elections were crucial business, so a month lay-off was ended with Crayon's "The One."
Magixx rounds off a busy quarter with "Colors" and "Royal." Based on data I've collected from multiple records labels operating locally: The average going rate for established artists and records labels to work a single is $35,000.
This covers cost to work your song via radio, TV, digital marketing, influencer campaigns, clubs and DJs. Throw in the average $10,000 (not T.G Omori price o) music video cost, and it comes up to a cool $45,000 for a single campaign.
Mavins have 5 campaigns in the last 3 months, spending an average of $225,000 to work pop songs and dominate the charts with each release. Nearly $230,000 is cost of a full house, to work singles, and they've got it covered with V.C funding from Kupanda.
Nigerian music is capital intensive. Every step of the way is paved with billing, and each inch of real estate is carved from spending strategically. But, imagine how steep the playing field is. How the financial barrier of entry into the mainstream market is the number one obstacle to realising your dreams in music.
Without this war chest, upcoming artists are left with hope. Hope that one day, they'll find a sponsor to foot this cost. Either via major label signing, or an individual's deep pocket."
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