I was having a discussion with a colleague in the industry the other day and he was lamenting on how some artistes are totally unprofessional especially when it comes to shows, performances and their timing. I know some show promoters and event planners are saying, “go on Toks, say it like it is.” You guys also have your faults and errors but that’s a topic for another day. Today I will oblige you guys because I am sick and tired of SOME artistes thinking since they are getting all the attention or the applause, they are allowed to mess up or be unprofessional at any time. They are quick to forget that just as easily as you are on top today, tomorrow you could be struggling to be remembered.
First of all, some artistes think it is their right and not a privilege to be blessed with fans and to be successful in any chosen career. It is not just your talent, hard work, perseverance and dedication alone but also the joint effort of your team, your fans, radio presenters, DJs, show promoters, well-wishers, event planners and mainly God’s favour and grace that puts you in the spotlight. The toughest thing isn’t getting to the top but staying there and being relevant. So when artistes act up I wonder what they are thinking, they absolutely forget that the first step to being a professional is doing everything at the right or scheduled time not at one’s own whims and caprices. Being a professional means that sometimes even when it is not going your way or you are not at 100% the show must go on. You just readjust, realign and forge ahead and then complain later or make sure the next time you are booked for a gig your requirements are met. After all that’s why we have artiste managers and riders.
I have heard radio presenters and on-air personalities complain about artistes who come late for interviews that they have known and been notified about days or weeks ahead of. I have also heard show/event promoters lamenting that an artiste is giving them the run-around and making it difficult for them to promote a show they have already received payment for because they refuse to send photos, video or vocal drops which they will use to promote the event on time. I have seen show promoters complaining when artistes miss flights and subsequently shows because they partied too much the previous night and lose their voice or end up oversleeping and miss their flights. I have seen artistes behaving like divas and refusing to come for soundcheck for an event they have already collected full payment for.
Why will an artiste not keep an already agreed appointment or date especially after the manager or management has checked your calendar and decided that particular date or time works better for you? Why will it be difficult for an artist to send a video/audio drop to a promoter to help promote a show you have already collected an advance for or probably already been paid in full?
Don’t go partying or clubbing a day before a scheduled performance or interview. Stay home or in your hotel room, rest well, rest your voice, rehearse, go over your performance list/repertoire with your team, band or DJ. Losing your voice will only anger your fans and might cost you a chance of more gigs with prospective bookers. Remember, nothing endears an artiste to clients and fans like punctuality and a great performance. So always do the right thing at the right time, be a professional at all times.
ARTISTE TIP OF THE DAY
#ArtisteTip “Always rehearse at any chance you get, remember practice makes perfect and the more you rehearse the better you get.”
All written articles and pieces are all original works of Toks Young Umezulike except the quoted excerpts.
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