Every upcoming artist in Nigeria eventually faces one of the toughest questions of their career: “Should I stay independent or sign to a record label?”
It’s not an easy decision. On one side, independence gives you full control of your music and money. On the other, signing to a record label gives you the backing, funding, and connections that can catapult your career overnight.
Should Nigerian Artists Join a Record Label?
The answer depends on your goals, resources, and vision. If you want faster growth, bigger opportunities, and industry connections, signing to a record label may be best. If you want freedom, ownership, and control, independence might suit you better.
For most upcoming artists in Nigeria, however, a balance — such as a distribution deal — is the smartest choice.
Let’s break this down.
- What It Means to Be Independent in Nigeria
An independent artist is someone who runs their music career without the backing of a record label. This means:
You fund your own studio sessions, music videos, and promotion.
You own 100% of your songs and rights.
You manage your branding, social media, and networking by yourself.
With streaming platforms like Audiomack, Spotify, and YouTube, being independent is now possible for Nigerian artists — but it comes with heavy responsibilities.
- Advantages of Staying Independent
Full ownership: You own all rights to your music.
More revenue: No sharing with a label; all streams, shows, and endorsements are yours.
Creative freedom: You decide when to release music, who to collaborate with, and how your brand looks.
Many Nigerian artists start independently to build a following before labels approach them.
- Challenges of Independence
High costs: Recording, promotion, and video shoots are expensive.
Limited connections: Without industry links, it’s harder to get airplay or big features.
Slower growth: Success often comes slower because you’re funding and managing everything yourself.
This is why many upcoming artists eventually look for label deals — not because they aren’t talented, but because the weight of independence is heavy.
- What It Means to Be Signed to a Record Label
When you sign to a record label, you give them rights to manage and fund your career. In return, the label takes a percentage of your earnings.
Labels provide:
Studio funding and top producers.
High-quality music videos.
Radio and TV promotion.
Networking with established artists.
International exposure through partnerships.
For an upcoming Nigerian artist, this backing can turn you into a star almost overnight.
- Advantages of Being Signed
Faster success: Labels push you into the spotlight quickly.
Professional support: You have managers, marketers, and lawyers working for you.
Global opportunities: Labels can connect you with international markets.
Artists like Fireboy (YBNL) and Ayra Starr (Mavin) became stars because labels believed in them and invested heavily.
- Disadvantages of Being Signed
Loss of freedom: Labels may control when you release music and even your sound.
Revenue sharing: A large percentage of your earnings goes to the label.
Risk of being shelved: If the label loses interest, your career can stagnate.
This is why some artists like Kizz Daniel and Brymo chose to leave their labels and go independent.
- The Middle Ground: Distribution Deals
The Nigerian music industry is changing, and many artists are now choosing distribution deals instead of traditional record deals.
A distribution deal allows you to:
Keep ownership of your music.
Get your songs promoted and placed on streaming platforms.
Receive marketing and branding support.
Share only a small percentage of earnings.
👉 At Taculia Records, this is exactly the model we’re building. We want artists to shine without being trapped in unfair contracts. With our distribution deals, upcoming artists can enjoy the best of both worlds — freedom and support.
- Which Path Should You Choose?
The decision is yours, but here’s a guide:
If you have money, connections, and a strong vision → Stay independent.
If you want fast exposure and are willing to share revenue → Sign with a label.
If you want both freedom and support → Choose a distribution deal.
The truth is, no path is wrong — it depends on your journey. What matters most is choosing a system that matches your goals.
Conclusion
So, should Nigerian artists join a record label? The answer is not a simple yes or no. While independence gives freedom, signing provides faster growth. The smartest choice is finding a balance that protects your rights while giving you support — and that’s where distribution deals come in.
👉 At Taculia Records, we’re committed to helping upcoming artists find that balance. If you’re ready to take your career forward, contact us today and let’s build something powerful together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is it better to be independent or signed in Nigeria?
It depends on your goals. Independence gives freedom and ownership, while signing offers funding and exposure.
- Can I start as an independent artist and later join a label?
Yes. Many artists build a following independently before labels notice them and offer deals.
- What is a distribution deal?
A distribution deal is an agreement where the label promotes and distributes your music while you keep ownership of your songs.
- Why do many Nigerian artists leave their labels?
Most leave because of restrictive contracts, loss of creative freedom, or disputes over revenue sharing.
- How can Taculia Records support upcoming artists?
Taculia Records focuses on distribution deals, giving artists freedom, visibility, and growth without the burden of unfair contracts.
