Dyllann calls on Cameroonian Diaspora, to INVEST IN EMERGING ACTS

Dear Cameroonian Diaspora, INVEST IN EMERGING ACTS by Dyllann

I was going through my whatsapp this morning and I saw this nice initiative and it caught my attention. A contest organized by someone in the diaspora alongside someone in Cameroon, asking artists to submit songs and the best will get a record deal to their surely newly created label.

In recent times I have seen several Cameroonians in the diaspora doing this exact model as means to support culture back home. I myself took part in such in 2018 and was winner, and I don't regret it at all. Actually have a very great relationship with the organizer, and have done allot of work and progress with them.

But it also got me thinking, today i am working in areas of responsibility that force me to look at the whole entertainment ecosystem, and looking at where effort needs to be put for us to achieve the dreams we have for 237 Showbiz; i'll say while these initiatives are great and do allot of good; I think the most effective support to the industry will actually go to investing in 'those' that are already emerging and showing signs of good heart and competence to build.

Music is a very complicated business, than many people know. From A&R to Publishing, Label Services, Events, Merch, Endorsements, PR, Marketing etc. And truth is most our diaspora who invest in music back home, don't really master the business; nor the ground work, and consequently it's always very hard to find any winner of such contests emerge in career or for the label to last. ( Not that they can't ). It's just like it's very hard to have winner of American idol end up with a successful music career. It takes more than talent.

Also, it takes allot of money to get things moving. More than most people imagine at least. And sometimes, more than a few investors are needed in one project, and it can take up to 5 years for an act or initiative to fully stabilize.

At this level in our industry, (if at all we want to have an 'industry') We need to invest in people who can build Pillars or foundations. It's not yet time for 'flexing'. Don't be surprise that even labels like New Bell Music may still be in need of investment (if they are open to it)

When you look at emerging acts that are becoming pillars of 237 or at least reference labels like Alphabeta, Newbell, Stevens, Big Dreams, etc none of them got their talents from a contest. And all of these labels have some diaspora relation in them. It takes a Jovi to find a Reniss, it takes a Mr Leo to find a Kameni

Most Investors in the Diaspora have their personal jobs and just invest in labels on the side. But the issue is, since they are the investors they always tend to want to be full time "managers"; ( Money always has an opinion) but the question is, music is not a business you can do part time. As an artist, I won't give my career to someone's who is just doing this on the side, because my career is my life.

Honestly I will sign with Alpha Beta records for Free than a 20,000 USD part-time label. Unless of course, the investor understands this points am raising ( which many don't ).

Truth is most artists-entrepreneurs or ground promoters hat have understood this business, will always put down terms of investment to the investor, and most "adventurer" investors will run away. Some even see them ass arrogant.

But we need all the money; we shouldn't scare the investors. We rather need to communicate well, so they can see. But I also understand that when you have been in the industry for a long trying to survive and build something that can last, you have no patience for such investors because you know you will always end up even becoming enemies if you accept their money. Or when you just think of the amount of energy and stress you will spend debating with them, it aches.

I think contests are good, especially those that give out money and benefits, with no strings. 😂😂😂, Or at least ready business proposals. E.g when a flyer like this says. Winners will get a record deal. Do they share the contract for the artist to read first before submitting his content. What if at the end of the day the winner doesn't like the terms of the deal?

And to look at it from another angle; they are risking not only their reputation but if they fall in the hands of someone who wants to take the legal route; They may end up regretting ever announcing a record deal

Each country has a legal framework for organizing any contest. When they organize; in which country do they organize, and do they follow the legal framework?

Why i say invest in those already emerging is because i know its hard to find reliable allies on ground; among those who have not yet emerged but also its hard to find or even know who is competent and who is not; since everybody claims to know everything in showbiz. If you have that cousin, or friend from back then; who has a passion for music etc, and you feel like you want to help; please do, but know that its not business, until you test them in the marketplace; and if you yourself are not very competent in the thing; you may want a third opinion; and that will still mean an "emerging act". You see why i say investing in emerging local artists, and labels is better?. Nevertheless; there are many underground people who just need money to emerge; and if you can get them, that will be great.

I know this write-up is in response to the emerging contests, but it's only for educational purpose please. I don't wish to discourage the organizers. We need them.

BUT IF THEY REALLY WANT TO HELP THE INDUSTRY BEYOND WHAT THEY ARE DOING; WITH THE SAME RESOURCES: THEN THIS IS MY RECOMMENDATION