Taculia Records

Every upcoming artist in Nigeria wants to get signed, but very few actually understand how record labels think. I’ve seen artists chase labels blindly, while others position themselves correctly and attract deals quietly.

This pillar explains how getting signed truly works in Nigeria — without hype, lies, or guesswork.

How To Get Signed To A Record Label In Nigeria

Getting signed to a record label in Nigeria is not just about talent, passion, or dreams — it’s about presenting verifiable evidence that you are a commercially viable artist. In today’s competitive industry, labels are not looking for wishful thinking; they want measurable indicators of market potential. The process involves careful preparation, strategic targeting, and understanding the business behind the music.

Here are the key principles you must master to get signed:

• Prove commercial potential: Labels look for artists who can generate revenue through streams, sales, performances, and brand partnerships. A history of monetized content, strong digital presence, and fan engagement can serve as proof.
• Show real audience traction: Beyond talent, labels want evidence that your music resonates with people. Metrics like social media following, streaming counts, and engagement rates demonstrate audience appeal.
• Understand label business models: Knowing how a label operates financially, how it invests in artists, and how it earns returns will give you credibility during negotiations.
• Approach the right labels strategically: Do not blindly send demos or messages. Research each label’s roster, style, and market positioning to determine where you fit best.

Remember: labels don’t sign dreams; they sign evidence. A strategic approach with clear metrics and a professional mindset will make you stand out from the countless hopefuls competing for attention.

Understanding How Record Labels In Nigeria Operate

Before reaching out to any label, it is crucial to understand the role of record labels in the Nigerian music industry. These organizations are businesses first and passion-driven entities second. While many artists assume labels exist purely to nurture creativity, the reality is different: labels must ensure profitability and sustainability.

Understanding the operational structure of a Nigerian label helps you approach them more effectively:

• A&R (Artist & Repertoire): This team scouts for talent and evaluates artistic potential against market trends.
• Marketing & Promotions: They strategize the exposure, branding, and campaigns to maximize visibility and monetization.
• Distribution & Streaming: Ensuring music reaches digital platforms and physical outlets, driving revenue from streams, downloads, and sales.
• Legal & Contracts: Labels ensure agreements protect their investments and maintain clear intellectual property rights.
• Management & Strategy: Overseeing career development, collaborations, and long-term planning for artists under the label.

By understanding these functions, an artist can tailor their approach, present themselves as an investable talent, and demonstrate that they comprehend the industry’s business side.

Why Talent Alone Will Not Get You Signed

Talent is abundant in Nigeria. The streets, schools, and online platforms are filled with gifted singers, producers, and songwriters. However, labels do not sign raw talent — they sign market-ready talent.

Market-ready talent refers to artists who have already demonstrated:

• Audience engagement: Active listeners who stream, comment, and share your music.
• Content consistency: Regular releases, high-quality recordings, and brand coherence.
• Professionalism: Timeliness, preparedness for studio sessions, and understanding of the music business.
• Monetization potential: Streams, sales, live performance readiness, and brand partnership viability.

Simply having vocal or instrumental ability will not differentiate you in today’s competitive Nigerian music scene. Labels are looking for artists who have already validated their music in the market.

Why Labels Care About Money First

Understanding how record labels in Nigeria make money is critical. Labels are businesses that invest time, money, and resources into artists. Every signing involves risk, and labels want to minimize that risk by choosing artists with clear commercial prospects.

Labels invest where returns are possible. This could include:

• Revenue from streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack.
• Music licensing for films, commercials, or television.
• Concerts, tours, and live performances generating ticket sales.
• Merchandising and brand endorsements.
• Social media and influencer collaborations.

If an artist cannot demonstrate potential in these areas, they may be overlooked regardless of talent. Labels prioritize measurable opportunities over passion alone.

Choosing The Right Record Labels To Approach

Not every label is suitable for every artist. Approaching the wrong label can waste time, effort, and even damage your credibility. To make the best choice, you need to:

• Study the best record labels in Nigeria to understand their roster, market focus, and artist support systems.
• Analyze top record labels in Nigeria and compare them with your music style, career stage, and long-term goals.
• Evaluate alignment:
  • Does the label cater to your genre?
  • Do their current artists’ success stories match your ambitions?
  • Is their promotional approach compatible with your style?
• Consider growth potential:
  • Some labels may offer immediate exposure but limit creative freedom.
  • Others may focus on long-term development with mentorship and resources.

Approaching labels strategically is about matching your readiness, style, and growth ambitions with the right environment. This increases the likelihood of a successful signing and long-term career growth.

Preparing Your Artist Portfolio

Before even contacting a label, you need a professional artist portfolio. This includes:

• High-quality recordings of your songs.
• Music videos or visualizers showcasing your performance skills.
• Evidence of audience traction such as streaming stats, social media engagement, and fan interactions.
• A brief biography highlighting your unique story, achievements, and career objectives.
• A press kit or portfolio summarizing your brand identity and visual aesthetics.

Labels respond to completeness and professionalism. A well-prepared portfolio signals that you are serious, organized, and ready for investment.

Networking and Industry Relationships

While talent and portfolio are essential, relationships within the industry matter. Attend events, connect with managers, producers, and other artists. Networking creates awareness about your work and can open doors to labels who trust industry recommendations.

Be strategic:

• Collaborate with established artists or producers to gain credibility.
• Engage on social media professionally, sharing content and updates consistently.
• Participate in music competitions or showcases where labels scout new talent.

Approaching Labels Professionally

When reaching out, professionalism is critical. Labels receive hundreds of messages daily. Standing out requires:

• A concise, well-written introduction.
• Links to your best work.
• Evidence of engagement or audience traction.
• Respect for their time; avoid mass messaging or desperate tones.

Always remember: labels invest in potential and professionalism, not emotions or desperation.

Follow-Up and Persistence

Getting signed rarely happens overnight. If a label does not respond immediately, persistence can be key — but it must be respectful and strategic:

• Wait at least 2–4 weeks before following up.
• Update them on new releases, milestones, or metrics improvements.
• Demonstrate growth and commitment rather than frustration.

Consistency in follow-up signals seriousness and reinforces your commercial potential.

Leveraging Emerging Labels

Emerging labels can be an excellent entry point for artists. They are often more flexible, decisive, and willing to invest in potential. Aligning with the right emerging label can provide mentorship, structure, and exposure without the bureaucracy of larger labels.

Combining a strong portfolio, audience proof, and strategic label selection significantly increases your chances of being signed.

Why Labels Care About Money First

Many aspiring artists assume that record labels sign talent purely because they love music or want to nurture creativity. That’s a common misconception. The reality is that labels operate as businesses, and money is often the first consideration. If you don’t understand how record labels in Nigeria make money, you risk misreading the industry and wondering why your submissions are ignored.

Labels invest in artists where returns are possible. This means they are looking at factors such as:

• Audience size and engagement: Labels analyze whether your music has traction with listeners — streams, downloads, social media engagement, and fan loyalty all matter.
• Marketability: Does your image, sound, and brand align with trends and consumer demand? Labels want artists who are likely to generate revenue across multiple channels.
• Monetization avenues: Streaming, digital sales, concerts, brand partnerships, licensing, and merchandise all contribute to profitability. Labels invest where these channels can produce sustainable income.
• Growth potential: Emerging talent with a high ceiling for development is more appealing than already-established artists who may demand higher upfront investment.

Understanding that labels prioritize financial feasibility doesn’t mean you need to compromise your artistry. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of presenting yourself as a commercially viable artist, backed by metrics and market evidence. Artists who fail to show their potential to generate returns are often overlooked, regardless of raw talent.

Choosing The Right Record Labels To Approach

Not every record label will suit your sound, career stage, or ambitions. Blindly sending your music to any label reduces your chances of success and can even harm your credibility. Careful research and strategic targeting are essential.

Here’s how to choose wisely:

• Analyze label rosters: Look at the artists currently signed and their success. Are they in your genre? Do their growth trajectories match your ambitions?
• Research label culture and ethos: Understanding how a label operates internally — their approach to marketing, artist development, and collaborations — is crucial.
• Evaluate resources and support: Some labels have strong promotional capabilities but limited mentorship; others provide hands-on guidance. Decide which aligns with your needs.
• Compare top labels: Study the best record labels in Nigeria and top record labels in Nigeria to determine which are most compatible with your sound and career stage.

By selecting labels strategically, you increase your chances of being noticed and signing a deal that is mutually beneficial. It’s not about quantity — it’s about the right fit.

Are There Labels Actively Looking For New Artists?

The short answer is yes — there are labels actively seeking fresh talent. However, not all of them make their intentions public. Many labels scout quietly through social media, referrals, or industry networks.

To navigate this landscape effectively:

• Understand which labels are actively scouting by following industry news, social media announcements, and networking with insiders.
• Focus on submitting your music where it aligns with the label’s strategy and artist profile.
• Ensure your submissions are professional, complete with a portfolio demonstrating audience traction, previous releases, and your artistic vision.

Knowing which labels are looking for talent before sending your music prevents wasted effort and positions you as a serious contender. This proactive approach is critical for navigating the Nigerian music industry and increasing the likelihood of securing a deal.

How To Prepare Yourself Before Sending Your Music

Before approaching a record label, preparation is key. Labels receive hundreds of submissions every day, and the ones that stand out are those from artists who are ready in every sense — musically, professionally, and strategically. Blindly sending music without preparation is one of the fastest ways to get ignored.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for preparing yourself before sending your music to a record label in Nigeria:

1. Refine Your Sound

Your music should be polished and professional. Invest in quality production, mixing, and mastering. A label wants to hear a song that can compete in the market — not a rough demo. Ensure your sound is consistent with your style and audience expectations.

2. Develop Your Brand Identity

Labels are not just signing music; they are signing a brand. Define your image, values, and story. This includes your stage name, logo, visuals, and the message your music conveys. A coherent brand helps labels see your potential beyond just a single track.

3. Build an Online Presence

Labels look for artists who have traction. Create profiles on major streaming platforms and social media. Engage with your audience consistently and show that people are already listening, sharing, and reacting to your music. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify are essential for demonstrating reach.

4. Prepare a Professional Portfolio

Your portfolio should include:

• High-quality recordings of your best tracks
• Music videos or visual content that showcases your performance
• Metrics showing engagement, streams, and audience reach
• A biography highlighting your journey, influences, and achievements
• A press kit summarizing your brand and visuals

5. Research Labels Strategically

Not every label suits every artist. Study the best record labels in Nigeria and their artist rosters. Determine which labels align with your genre, career stage, and growth potential. Approach only the ones that are a strategic fit.

6. Understand Label Operations

Before sending your music, understand how labels operate, how they generate revenue, and what they expect from artists. Knowing how record labels in Nigeria make money helps you tailor your approach and present yourself as an investable artist.

7. Craft a Professional Submission

Your email or message should be concise, professional, and respectful. Include links to your portfolio, highlight achievements, and show evidence of audience traction. Avoid emotional appeals or spammy messaging — labels respond to clarity and professionalism.

8. Follow-Up Strategically

If you don’t get an immediate response, wait at least 2–4 weeks before following up. Update the label on new releases, milestones, or increased audience engagement. Persistence is important, but it must remain professional and respectful.

9. Be Mentally Prepared

Not every submission will result in a signing. Rejections are part of the process. Use them as feedback to improve your music, brand, and approach. Labels invest in readiness and potential, so continuous growth increases your chances over time.

10. Engage With Emerging Labels

Consider approaching smaller or emerging labels. They are often more flexible, quicker to sign new talent, and willing to mentor artists. This can be a smarter entry point for building your career before aiming for major labels.

By following these steps, you increase your chances of being noticed, taken seriously, and ultimately signed. Preparation demonstrates professionalism, readiness, and commercial potential — all of which are key factors labels evaluate before offering a deal.

How To Send Your Song To A Record Label In Nigeria

Most artists fail at this stage.

You need to follow a proper submission process, which I explained clearly in how to send your song to a record label in Nigeria.

The Truth About Paying To Get Signed

One of the most debated topics in the Nigerian music industry is whether artists should pay to get signed. Some labels request money for specific services, while others do not. Understanding these nuances is crucial for protecting your career and avoiding costly mistakes.

Why Some Labels Request Money

Some labels may ask for payment, but usually not for signing itself. Legitimate reasons include:

• Marketing and promotion: Advanced campaigns, social media boosts, playlist placements, or media appearances may require upfront investment to cover costs.
• Production and studio fees: Smaller or emerging labels may not have the resources to fully fund high-quality recording sessions, so they ask artists to contribute.
• Artist development programs: Structured mentorship, branding, vocal training, and performance coaching often come at a fee. These programs ensure artists are prepared for professional growth.

These fees are acceptable if they are transparent, reasonable, and linked to tangible services that enhance your career. Problems arise when labels disguise payment requests as “guaranteed signings” or exploit uninformed artists.

Why Some Labels Don’t Request Money

Established labels with financial backing typically invest directly in talent. They expect a return from music sales, performances, and endorsements, not from upfront fees. In such cases, signing is based on audience traction, commercial potential, and merit rather than money.

Understanding Costs Before Agreeing

Before agreeing to any offer, you must understand the cost of joining a record label in Nigeria. Know what is standard in the industry, what services are included for your payment, and your responsibilities. Being informed ensures you avoid exploitation and make investments that genuinely advance your career.

Red Flags To Watch

• Large upfront payments without clarity on deliverables.
• Pressure to sign contracts immediately.
• Promises of instant fame or guaranteed chart placements.
• Lack of verifiable artists or track record.

How Much Do Record Labels Pay Artists In Nigeria?

Payment varies widely depending on the deal.

To avoid false expectations, study how much record labels pay artists in Nigeria.

Why Rich Labels Don’t Always Sign New Artists

It’s easy to assume that a record label with significant financial resources will always be on the lookout for fresh talent, but that’s not the case. Large, wealthy labels often have established rosters filled with proven artists, making them more risk-averse when it comes to signing newcomers. Their focus tends to be on maximizing returns from existing talent rather than investing in the uncertainty of developing new artists.

These labels typically have strict selection criteria. They evaluate market potential, social media influence, streaming numbers, and sometimes even the artist’s brand alignment before considering a deal. Even with the money to support a new artist, the decision to sign is strategic and often slow.

Understanding the richest record label in Nigeria gives perspective on why financial strength doesn’t automatically translate to opportunities for emerging talent. Recognizing this reality helps you manage expectations and redirect focus to labels that actively nurture and develop artists.

Learning From History: The First Record Label In Nigeria

Studying the origins of the Nigerian music industry is essential for any artist who wants to navigate it effectively. The first record label in Nigeria laid the foundation for how music distribution, production, and artist management evolved in the country. Knowing this history provides insight into the current structure of the industry, including how contracts, royalties, and artist rights have developed over time.

Many principles from the early labels still influence today’s business practices. For instance, understanding the first record label in Nigeria helps artists see why certain standard practices exist and why some labels operate the way they do. It also highlights how innovation and adaptability have been key drivers for labels that succeed over decades.

Why Emerging Labels Matter More Than Ever

While big labels have money, emerging labels often have the flexibility, vision, and willingness to invest time and resources into developing new talent. These smaller, growth-focused labels are usually more agile, open to creative experimentation, and willing to take calculated risks on promising artists.

Emerging labels are important for several reasons:

• Faster decision-making: They can sign artists quickly without long bureaucratic processes.
• Personalized attention: New artists often receive more focused mentorship, branding guidance, and career development.
• Opportunities for growth: Emerging labels aim to build systems that allow artists to scale sustainably, often giving them more creative freedom.

Some of the most exciting artist deals today are coming from emerging record labels in Nigeria. Understanding this dynamic allows aspiring artists to target the right labels, get noticed faster, and lay the foundation for long-term career success.

Final Thoughts On Getting Signed In Nigeria

Getting signed to a record label in Nigeria is not luck.

It is preparation, positioning, and understanding the business.

When you stop chasing labels blindly and start building value, the right deals find you.