For the record, I don’t claim to know everything or have all the answers. I am simply writing from my perspective—based on what I have seen and learned over the years as an entertainment practitioner.

Also, any opinion(s) expressed here are solely mine.

READ PART 1 HERE

Having said that, let’s talk about the seven (7) major things an artist needs to make good music:

1. Self-Belief
2. Perseverance
3. Hard Work
4. Humility
5. Loyalty
6. Self Reinvention
7. Constant Reading

LOYALTY

At one point or another, many of us have mistaken loyalty for servitude.

My definition of loyalty is simple:

• Don’t talk about me behind my back
• If I offend you, tell me to my face—in private
• Don’t wash my dirty linen in public
• Defend me in my absence—not just when I’m around

Betrayal is the opposite of loyalty, and it hurts deeply—especially when it comes from people you trusted and allowed into your life.

As Bob Marley once said:

“Only your best friend knows your secrets, so only they can reveal them.”

Sometimes artists forget the little things once they reach the top or feel they have “arrived.”

They forget:

• The people who first believed in them
• Those who paid for their first studio session
• Those who gave them early airplay

They fail to give proper credit during interviews (print, audio, or video). Yet, sometimes, a simple acknowledgment is the greatest form of appreciation.

These little things give credibility to the bigger picture.

An artist must also understand that not everyone in your life is meant to stay forever:

• Some are there to teach
• Some to mentor
• Some to introduce you to the spotlight
• Some to take you further

Every good parent wants their child to do better than them. Every teacher wants their student to surpass them.

However, many artists, in a bid to grow independently, end up disregarding or disrespecting their mentors and those who helped them rise.

Some feel cheated and try to exit contracts without following proper legal processes. They forget that contracts are binding—and can either make or break a career.

It is always better to leave in peace and goodwill than to exit in controversy.

Many artists fail to properly understand agreements before signing them—and later regret it.

Sometimes, the highest form of loyalty is silence.

Not everything needs to be said or exposed.

There is no substitute for loyalty—it always makes a difference.

SELF REINVENTION

To be a good artist, you must be versatile. You must be willing to step outside your comfort zone and try new things.

However, many Nigerian artists try to do everything themselves and mistake that for versatility.

They want to be:

• Songwriters
• Singers
• Instrumentalists
• Backup vocalists

But sometimes, allowing others to contribute—especially in areas like background vocals—can bring a fresh perspective and elevate the song.

Many artists also misunderstand the purpose of:

• Remixes
• Collaborations
• Features

Some avoid featuring others because they fear sharing attention or spotlight. Some even avoid shooting videos for collaborative songs to prevent the featured artist from gaining visibility.

But collaboration is meant to:

• Bring something new to a song
• Introduce a fresh twist
• Tap into new fanbases
• Expand reach and market influence

Sometimes, it’s simply about helping your music cross over to new audiences.

Versatility teaches you humility. It helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Giving others opportunities doesn’t reduce you—it grows you.

To remain relevant, an artist must constantly seek ways to reinvent themselves.

CONSTANT READING

Reading is one of the most underrated tools for growth.

By reading consistently—novels, biographies, motivational books, poetry—you:

• Expand your knowledge
• Improve your vocabulary
• Enhance wordplay and rhyming
• Strengthen lyrical expression

Reading builds confidence. The more you know, the more comfortable you become in different environments and conversations.

For an artist, this translates directly into:

• Better songwriting
• Stronger lyrical flow
• Improved communication
• More engaging storytelling

It also helps when interacting with other artists who may not speak your native language.

It is a known fact that some artists struggle with spoken or written English. This can affect how they communicate during interviews or media appearances.

Sometimes, this leads to nervousness or rushing through responses out of fear of making mistakes.

But consistent reading can:

• Improve fluency
• Build confidence
• Help you communicate clearly

PERSONAL ADVICE

• Practice in front of a mirror—just like you rehearse for performances
• Read more books
• Ask questions when in doubt (no one knows it all)
• Stay confident in your identity

Don’t try to sound American or British. Be authentic.

Have you ever seen them trying to sound African—except in movies? 😂

Be yourself. That’s your power.

If you apply these principles, you stand a strong chance—at least 80%—of becoming a successful and fulfilled artist.

ARTIST TIP OF THE DAY

Always be courteous—especially to those who seem like they can’t do anything for you.

Sometimes, those are your true fans—the ones who will defend and stand up for you when you are not there to speak for yourself.