The Nigerian music industry is always changing, but because it is a creative field, it takes time and effort to make money from it. You might be well-known today, but not the following day. In the music business, consistency is necessary.

In Nigeria, one of the major industries is music. Even as a budding musician, if you can follow the proper procedures and carry out the necessary actions, you will undoubtedly succeed financially.

Nobody becomes well-known or successful by accident; even your favorite superstars had to start somewhere. They started small and work their way up to success.

Musicians do not receive salary at the end of the month, and you might be wondering how most musicians manage to support themselves and earn substantial incomes.

A song that initially seems out of date and is released today might eventually become the most listened or downloaded tune. The preferences of the general public can occasionally change.

From record sales to performance fees to CD sales, there are many different ways to monetize your music.

Studies indicate that the global music market produced 23.1 billion dollars in revenue in 2020, this is to let you know  that the music industry is quite lucrative.

How to Make Money in Nigeria as a Musician

This article will reveal how you can succeed financially in Nigeria as a musician. This post is for you if you are an up-and-coming artist just starting out or if you have been working in the music business but have not yet made any money;

1. Digital Sales

The best way to market your music before the advent of technology was through CD sales. You can sell whatever you’ve recorded and put it on a CD to customers, or you can find distributors who will resell it for you.

However, technology has changed everything; CD sales are on the decline, we can get everything we need on our phones, and CDs are no longer necessary because nobody will buy them.

More people than ever are using digital streaming services, which are gradually replacing alternative ways to listen to music (e.g CDs). There are several internet platforms where you may publish your music and get money from it. It is now possible for musicians to monetize their work by uploading it to digital streaming services like Boomplay, Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and YouTube. For musicians, it is a very predictable and stress-free source of income.

2. Concerts, Performances, and Tours

The main sources of revenue for artists are concerts and tours. This is one of the best ways for musicians to make money.
These occur when a musician or group of musicians perform their songs across several towns, countries, or locales. You are typically associated with a particular record or product while on tour, and if you can secure a very good contract, the tours or concerts can last for months or even years. By doing this, you can gain access to thousands or millions of viewers and even make millions of dollars in ticket sales. Depending on the brand that is supporting the concerts or tours, you can succeed greatly with this.

Additionally, you can get compensated for performances at gatherings including weddings, political rallies, school celebrations, and festivals.

Read about the Richest Musicians in Nigeria

3. Instagram and Facebook Music

When you post your music on both Facebook and Instagram, there is a possibility for you to earn money. With the help of a record company or distributor, your music will be added to Facebook’s database so that users may explore it and choose songs depending on their interests. This procedure is observed and documented in order to prevent people from breaking Facebook’s rules.

Areas where you can post your music on Facebook and Instagram

• You may make a live video by going live on Facebook or Instagram.

When you are live, you can choose your soundtrack, and your audience can watch and see the music playing while you are recording live.
It is advised to use your own music so that it is known to your followers. If you do this consistently, you will be paid at the end of the month, plus Facebook and Instagram also allow fans to share your music.

• You can use stories in addition to publishing your music on Facebook, so that people may view it, like it, and share it with others via Instagram stories.

4. Online Live Shows

Online live shows, where you may host shows for a fee, and people can connect to it from the comfort of their homes, became widespread during the pandemic in 2020. Only those who make payment can access the shows. You can use Google Meet, Zoom apps, or even a YouTube private exclusively for those who pay, and it doesn’t require anyone to leave the comfort of their homes

5. Youtube

You may always monetize your music on YouTube, which is a well-known platform for making money. You can start by designing a cover page for your YouTube channel, recording a beat, and uploading it there. When your music is used in YouTube advertising, you may be paid.

6. Streaming

Nowadays, there are several digital sites where you may upload your music and make money. platforms like Boomplay, Audiomack, Spotify,  as well as YouTube Music, and others. It’s amazing how much money you can make from these websites with the more people streams your music on these sites.

7. Teaching

You can also earn money by teaching young artists what you know as a rapper, singer, composer, or producer. For those who will be interested, you can also create a vlog or conduct online tutorials, and you can get compensated for all of these. You might also start offering paid music lessons to others.

8. Endorsements

Many companies collaborate with musicians in exchange for opportunities to be their brand’s representative. The musician’s name, reputation, and influence are used to promote the brand. The artist is given something in return, depending on the terms of the contract.

Conclusion

The process of becoming well-known as a musician can appear difficult when you consider the need for rehearsal space, photographs, a personal website, distribution, and many other things. You can actually locate a wide variety of earning options if you’re willing to diversify your skill set and try out a few of the strategies that have been outlined above.
Musicians today have more influence over their careers than ever before. You may record, distribute, sell, stream, and promote your music using a variety of easily available tools and platforms. It’s essential to diversify your income streams in order to build a long-lasting career, whether it be by gigging, selling items, or earning money from your songs online.

Being a musician is one thing, but making money off of music is quite another.
Yes, it might take some time, but it will be worthwhile. You only need to concentrate on maintaining consistency and keeping adding value to yourself

How to Make Money in Nigeria as a Musician

• Digital Sales
• Concerts, Performances and Tours
• Facebook and Instagram Music
• Online Live Shows
• Streaming
• Youtube
• Teaching
• Endorsements

Read More:

Top Richest Musicians in Africa

Trending Music in Nigeria

Sources:

Naijastic, Naijamusic