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Popular Kenyan musicians Prezzo, Size 8 and Jaguar
“I want to appear in Pulse as I believe this is my year of breakthrough,” said an upcoming artiste, who explained that he was a rapper, after he called the Pulse desk last week.
“So why do you want to appear in the paper,” we inquired.
“Because that way, people will know about me and I will become famous,” he went on, his confident voice commanding attention.
The discussion was nothing new. Almost every day, a new artiste calls the Pulse desk, claiming to be the next big thing. And yes, we give them the platform, but for many, the fame only lasts until the end of the day. The biggest problem with most of our artistes is branding.
Besides talent, artistes need to create an image around themselves, stay visible, remain relevant and own their space in the rather overcrowded industry. If you are in the entertainment industry full-time, you must become a business savvy person. Want to know what makes you unique and memorable? This one is for you:
Who are you? The first step is to define who you are as an artiste. You can wish to be Jaguar or Size 8 but there can only be one Jaguar.
Start by defining yourself, by first knowing who you truly are and be clear on how you want to be perceived by fans and all the others you target. Some artistes make their brand centred on a sexual image while others just want to appear as bad boys.
You have seen Size 8 and her trademark hairstyle, Jalang’o and his green suite, CMB Prezzo and his bling bling, and the list is endless. Many times, your image will have to do with your target audience. It all starts there.
Believe in yourself: It all starts with you. An artiste must be his or her own biggest fan. You must love your product and believe you are the most unique brand there can ever be. Don’t just sit there and imagine a miracle will happen. Market yourself and your product to whoever cares to listen to you and if no one is giving you a show, create your own. Simply, before others start embracing you, you must believe in yourself.
Know your motivation: Why are you a musician? Are you in it for the fun, money or fame, or...all of the above? Make sure you know what you want to achieve in your music career. That way, it will be clear in your mind what really motivates you.
Be unique: What makes you stand out from the rest? How is it that you deliver your lyrics that keeps people thinking about your music and loving it? If you let people keep thinking that you are just another ‘Churchill’, how will you ever make your own legacy?
Think business: If singing, acting or modelling (or whatever other art you are involved in) is your career, then you must have a business plan as that is where your bread comes from. Take risks. Give it your all.
Be visible and available: Some times, artistes get to thinking that the market does not like them while in the real sense; it doesn’t even know you exist.
Do you have a bio or a website or (even at worst) a Facebook account were people can access details about you and your songs? Are you working with producers, promoters, event organisers as well as other artistes to get your name out there? Are you connected?
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