Doloquee
Monrovia, Libera — The entertainment industry is glamorous, with the attraction of fame, fortune, and luxury drawing in countless new musicians every year.
However, the harsh reality is that success in this field is hard-won and not always guaranteed, even for those who seem to have it all.
Yesterday, February 28, 2023, famous Liberian artist Nuchie Meek took to Facebook to express his frustration with fellow entertainers who sign major brand deals but still struggle financially.
“Why do y’all have major Brand deals and still screaming broke?” Meek wrote in his post. “I know the same deals came our way, and most contracts are below our worth. Then later, we wanna blame the company. Not like they put a gun to your head to sign.”
Meek’s post struck a chord with many in the entertainment industry, who understand the challenges of making a living in an industry that often places more value on image and connections than talent and hard work.
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However, his comments also sparked a larger conversation about the role of corporations in the entertainment industry and the power dynamics at play in brand deals and endorsements.
For instance, one of Liberia’s famous rappers fell flat to the dust after signing so many ambassadorial deals. Christoph, when at the peak of his game, was the hottest artist to gain companies’ attention.
Today, King Chris has fallen flat to the ground despite all the hits produced and all the signing of deals. Had these deals brought enough income, I believed Chris would still be stable financially.
Besides King Chris, many artists, particularly those who are still building their careers, feel pressure to accept any opportunity that comes their way, regardless of how fair or lucrative the terms may be.
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In some cases, this may involve signing away rights to their music, agreeing to perform at events or campaigns without proper compensation, or even facing abusive or exploitative behavior from industry professionals.
Companies and corporations hold a tremendous amount of power and influence, and it is not uncommon for them to use this to their advantage when working with artists.
Furthermore, the high stakes and competitive nature of the entertainment industry can create a sense of desperation among artists, leading them to accept deals that may not be in their best interests in the long run.
This is especially true for those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds or lack access to the same resources and networks as their more privileged peers.
To address these issues, there needs to be a collective effort from both artists and corporations to create more equitable and transparent working conditions.
Ultimately, the entertainment industry is complex and multifaceted, with no easy solutions to the challenges it presents.
However, by having honest and open conversations about the issues at hand, we can begin to work towards a more just and sustainable future for all those who contribute to this vibrant and dynamic field.
