As an artist, don’t take offense when people criticize your work.

It can be frustrating—and even depressing—to hear people share opinions about your music or suggest what you should be doing differently, yet when it comes to supporting you—promoting your work, giving airplay, or recommending you—they do nothing.

Always remember: it is their opinion, not necessarily the truth.

I have had music executives, producers, radio personalities, and even artists—people I thought I had a good relationship with—delay or ignore me completely.

When I send them music for preview or request collaborations, I get excuses like:

• “They’re working on an album and don’t want distractions right now.”
• “Your artist doesn’t have enough streams or visibility.”
• “I’ll get back to you.”

…and that’s usually the end of it.

Meanwhile, during that same period, you see them collaborating with other artists despite claiming they’re unavailable.

Unfair? Yes.

But life isn’t fair.

Take it in your stride.

When it’s your time—God’s time—nobody can take your shine.

Even if they try, they won’t succeed.

So while you wait for your moment:

• Work harder
• Work smarter
• Stay consistent
• Keep praying

I’ve had people ignore my DMs or pretend they didn’t see them.

Some will tell you to send an email—but even emails often go unanswered, even when they are about bookings or business opportunities.

It can take days—or never—for a response to come.

Some won’t pick up calls or even return them.

I’ve had producers treat me like a nuisance simply because the artist I was presenting hadn’t “blown” yet or wasn’t a big name.

And that’s me—someone who is relatively connected in the industry.

Now imagine how difficult it is for an upcoming artist with no connections, no backing, and no one advocating for them.

The reality is this:

The music industry is full of challenges.

Often, success comes down to:

• Who you know
• Who you are affiliated with
• The structure or team behind you
• The level of funding you have access to

As a rising artist, you will face:

• Obstacles
• Rejection
• Delays
• Setbacks

But don’t let these things distract you or make you lose focus.

Always keep your eyes on the prize—because the end justifies the means.

Launching a new artist can cost between ₦50–60 million (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Some may ask: “So without that money, can an artist not succeed?”

Of course they can.

But again, it comes down to:

• Who is pushing you
• Who believes in you
• The support system around you

That’s why it is important to build bridges—not burn them.

Build meaningful relationships.

Not everyone will like you—and not everyone needs to.

But choose relationships that are:

• Strategic
• Supportive
• Mutually beneficial

Note:

Not every connection brings immediate value.

Some relationships:

• Pay off in the long run
• Require time and nurturing
• Grow into opportunities later

Choose wisely.

At the end of the day, your decisions are yours alone—you will either:

• Benefit from them
• Learn from them
• Or regret them

FINAL WORD

To everyone supporting and pushing unknown and upcoming artists despite the challenges—

Well done. Keep going.

Your efforts matter more than you know.