How To Make Money Writing Songs in Nigeria

Songwriting is a beautiful craft, and as a Nigerian songwriter, you may have written some amazing songs but now wonder how to get them into the hands of musicians who can bring them to life. Selling your songs and getting recognized for your talent may seem challenging, but with the right steps, you can make your songwriting career profitable.

Before you start selling your songs, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how the Nigerian music industry works. Nigeria’s music scene is dynamic and fast-growing, with various genres such as Afrobeat, Gospel, Hip Hop, and Fuji. Nigerian musicians are always looking for fresh songs to produce, but they often source songs from known songwriters or professionals with proven credibility.

Songwriters play very important roles in the careers of artists by steadily aiding them in the songwriting process. While some songwriters remain in the background and don't venture into becoming recording artists, some songwriters have enjoyed successful careers as recording artists.

As a songwriter, your job is to position yourself as a valuable source of high-quality songs. Whether you’re writing for Afrobeat stars, gospel choirs, or Nigerian pop artists, understanding the current trends in the music industry will help you write songs that musicians will want to buy.

Build a Strong Portfolio of Songs

To sell your songs, you need a portfolio that showcases your best work. Musicians and producers need to see what you can offer. Your portfolio should contain:

Professionally written lyrics (typed neatly and clearly).

Demo recordings (even rough recordings on your phone can work initially).

A variety of song styles to appeal to different musicians.

If possible, collaborate with a music producer to create polished demos of your songs. This makes it easier for artists to hear the potential of your work. Ensure that your songs are registered with the appropriate copyright bodies, such as the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), to protect your intellectual property.

Create a songwriter profile: Post snippets of your songs, share lyrics, and engage with followers who are in the music industry.

Join music groups: On platforms like Facebook, join groups where Nigerian artists, producers, and songwriters hang out. Share your work and network with potential buyers.

Collaborate with upcoming artists: Offer to write songs for upcoming artists or collaborate on projects. This will build your reputation and give you more exposure.

Using hashtags like #NigerianSongwriter, #SongwritingNigeria, or #NaijaMusic can help you reach more Nigerian musicians who are looking for fresh songs.

Well to start up or off with a studio, you would be needing roughly about 300 to 500 thousand naira. you need good speakers, a good and high speed processing PC either desktop prferably for cost sake. Then also you would need a sound card, a very good keyboard, an amplifier, a mixer, 16 or 24 channel mixer. A microphone, not stage microphone if you really want the best. Go for a standard studio microphone. Hmmmmm, whatelse, yeap! You also needsome music producing sofwares because music has really gone digital except you are trying to set up an analogue studio, you'll be needing some other things like some live instruments

You will need to sacrifice friends, family, romantic relationships, vacations, partying and most aspects of regular life if you’re serious about turning your dreams into a reality.

Why songwriters need to partner with music producers

Music producers are often seeking to partner up with singer-songwriters and lyricists in order to transform their beats into original songs. Otherwise, they’re just selling beats online via websites like BeatStars, etc.

If Can’t find producers to work with?

You better get on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, SoundCloud, etc. and start messaging producers. If you send 30 thoughtful and purposeful cold emails I guarantee someone will be willing to work with you.

Pitch Your Songs to Nigerian Musicians

One of the most direct ways to sell your songs is by pitching them to Nigerian musicians. Many artists are always on the lookout for fresh music, especially if they are preparing to release a new album or single. To pitch your songs successfully:

Research the artist’s style: Make sure the song you’re pitching matches the musician’s genre or vibe. If an artist focuses on Afrobeat, for example, send them Afrobeat-inspired songs.

Write a professional email: When reaching out to artists or their management teams, make your pitch clear, respectful, and professional. Include a link to your demo, a brief introduction, and contact details.

Use platforms like SoundCloud or YouTube: If the artist doesn’t want to download your file, share a link to your demo on platforms like SoundCloud or YouTube. This makes it easy for them to listen before making a decision.

Use Digital Platforms to Sell Your Songs

There are platforms specifically designed for songwriters to sell their songs. These platforms connect songwriters to musicians and allow you to upload your songs for sale. Some popular platforms that songwriters in Nigeria can use include:

Songbay: Songbay allows you to upload your songs for sale. Musicians from around the world can browse through your catalog and purchase the songs they like.

Music Gateway: This platform connects songwriters with artists, producers, and music supervisors. You can upload your songs, pitch to potential buyers, and collaborate on projects.

Taxi: Taxi is a platform that connects songwriters to opportunities in the music industry, including film, TV, and radio. It’s a great way to get your songs placed with top artists and music producers.

These platforms provide you with a global marketplace, allowing you to sell your songs not only in Nigeria but around the world.

Collaborate with Music Producers

Producers play a key role in the Nigerian music industry. They often work closely with artists to choose songs for upcoming projects. By building relationships with producers, you can increase your chances of selling your songs. Here’s how to work with producers:

Attend music networking events: Attend industry events, listening sessions, or music conferences in Nigeria where producers and artists gather. Networking in person helps you establish trust and build relationships.

Offer co-writing or joint projects: Offer to collaborate with producers on songs, allowing them to add their own touches to your lyrics. This can help make your songs more appealing to artists.

Producers often have direct connections to top artists, so collaborating with them can fast-track your songs to the right buyers.

Join Songwriting Competitions and Contests

Songwriting competitions are another great way to get exposure and sell your songs. Many Nigerian artists and record labels watch these competitions to discover fresh talent. Competitions like The Voice Nigeria or local songwriting contests can give you the platform to showcase your talent. Winning or even participating can attract attention to your work, increasing the chances of selling your songs.

Additionally, platforms like Songwriting Pro offer songwriting challenges that allow you to submit your songs for review by industry professionals.

Register Your Songs with a Performance Rights Organization

In Nigeria, the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) protects your rights as a songwriter. When you register your songs with COSON, you ensure that you receive royalties whenever your song is played on the radio, TV, or at public events. This also builds credibility when selling your songs, as musicians will know that the song is protected by law.

Selling your songs as a Nigerian songwriter can be a rewarding career if you approach it strategically. By building a strong portfolio, promoting your work online, collaborating with industry professionals, and leveraging digital platforms, you can sell your songs to musicians and make a living from your passion. Whether you write for Afrobeat, gospel, or pop artists, there are plenty of opportunities for talented songwriters in Nigeria.

Now, it's time to take the next step. Start pitching your songs, networking with industry professionals, and making your songwriting career a success!

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