Video discussion: How to monetise songwriting

H-Art the Band member Mordecai Kimeu said songwriters were obliged to reflect what was happening in society. If songwriters reflected and recreated reality, then they would be able to create music that resonates with many people.

Adding to this, Nina Ogot also noted that artists were forgetting that they could tap into their own culture, which possessed a wealth of inspiration. “Kenya has more than 40 local languages, and as an artist you can choose to be inspired by the different cultures,” she said.  

Ogot said songwriters did not have to write for everyone and should choose the audience they wanted to reach out to. “Kenya is under-represented on the global map because her artists have not worked hard to promote her culture,” she said.

Echoing this, Delvin Mudigi, aka Savara, said the problem with most songwriters was that they had separated music from culture.

Pete Odera, on the other hand, said songwriting is a gift. He shared his journey into music with a story about how he had started off as a member of a church band and later went into music production and writing songs for other artists such as Wahu.

Among the ways songwriters could gt good at what they do is for them to develop confidence and a deep interest in the craft. Savara said that even as a member of the successful band Sauti Sol, he was continuously learning new skills. At 29 he is currently studying the bass guitar. He noted that it was important for artists to invest in themselves, something he said many artists were not doing.

Taking songwriting to the next level, according to the panel: 

1. Place value in what you do

If you undervalue yourself, you will be underpaid even if you are worth much more. You need to understand the business. As beginner, you’ll have to put in the hard work before the big money starts coming in. You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.

2. Learn how to negotiate

You can be talented but structure and order are elements make part of the formula towards success. When you meet your potential clients, your presentation, which is tied to your structure, attracts and impresses them. With proper structure, people will have confidence in you.

Savara gave an example of a time when he did not have a structure and therefore he could not negotiate, which made him lose out on many opportunities. He now believes he has learnt the art of negotiation.

3. Have a good relationship with your publisher

A publisher protects the copyright of your work and ensures that you get fair value for your efforts. They also help you to get results through marketing.

4. Networking is essential

The music business is about shaking hands and networking gives musicians new opportunities. 

Panellists:

Tumi Mogapi – cross functional senior administrator, Sheer Publishing Africa

Nina Ogot – artist/songwriter

Savara Mudigi – Sauti Sol member and producer

Pete Odera – mroducer/songwriter

Mordecai Kimeu – H-Art the band member and songwriter

Moderator: Tim Rimbui, producer

Watch the discussion in the video below: