Becoming a music producer in Nigeria is a challenging but rewarding career path. As a music producer, you will be responsible for creating and shaping the sounds and rhythms that make up the music we hear every day.
Whether you’re working on a commercial pop record or a gritty hip-hop mixtape, the role of a music producer is to bring the artist’s vision to life and make it sound as good as possible.
In this article, we will explore the steps on how you can become a music producer in Nigeria, including how to stand out, gain fame, and make money.
Remember, becoming a music producer requires not only skills and talent but also a willingness to continue learning and persistence. You don’t need a fancy studio to start, you can work with the resources you have.
How To Become A Music Producer In Nigeria 2023
Becoming a music producer in Nigeria involves a combination of education, training, and practical experience.
Here are some steps you can take to become a music producer in Nigeria:
1. Learn The Basics
Learning the basics of music production is an essential step in becoming a successful music producer in Nigeria.
Music theory is the foundation of music production and helps you understand the fundamentals of how music works.
This includes learning about scales, chords, harmony, and melody, which will help you to create more complex productions.
Sound engineering is another important aspect of music production. This involves understanding how to record, mix, and master audio.
You will learn about microphone techniques, equalization, compression, and other essential tools used to create professional-sounding recordings.
Music production software is also a crucial part of music production. There are many different software options available, including Ableton, Logic Pro X, and Pro Tools.
Each software has its own features and capabilities, and it’s important to learn how to use the software that you plan to work with.
You can learn the basics of music production by taking online courses, attending workshops, or studying music production at a university. Some online resources include Coursera, Udemy, and online tutorials on YouTube.
2. Learn How To Play Musical Instruments
Another important step in becoming a music producer in Nigeria is to learn how to play musical instruments.
Being able to play an instrument can give you a deeper understanding of music and help you create more complex productions.
Learning an instrument such as piano or guitar can help you understand chords and harmony, which can be applied to your music productions.
Additionally, learning to play an instrument can help you create your own melodies and beats, which can be used in your productions.
You can take lessons from a music teacher or find tutorials online. With the help of tutorials, you can learn to play an instrument at your own pace and in the comfort of your home.
It’s important to note that learning to play an instrument is not a requirement to become a music producer, but it can definitely enhance your skills and help you create more unique and original music.
3. Practice More
Practising as a music producer in Nigeria is a crucial step in becoming successful in the industry. Just like any other skill, practice is essential to mastering the art of music production.
One way to practice is to experiment with different music production software and equipment. This will help you to become familiar with the different tools and techniques used in the industry.
Practising regularly will help you to develop your own unique sound and style.
Another way to practice is to work on your own productions. This can include creating beats, composing songs, and experimenting with different sounds and effects.
This will help you to develop your skills and gain experience working on real projects.
You can also practice by collaborating with other music professionals. This can include working with singers, rappers, and other producers, to gain experience working on a wide range of projects.
It’s also important to practice active listening to music, analyzing and studying different music genres, and identifying the production techniques used by other music producers in the industry.
4. Promote Your Skills On Social Media
Promoting your skills on social media is an important step in becoming a music producer in Nigeria. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are great ways to showcase your work, connect with other music professionals, and build a following.
By creating a social media account specifically for your music production business, you can upload samples of your work, share behind-the-scenes footage of your studio, and interact with other music professionals and potential clients.
You can use social media to connect with other music producers, singers, and rappers and collaborate on projects. This can help you to gain experience working on a wide range of projects and gain exposure to new audiences.
You can also use social media to promote your services, such as offering music production workshops or promoting your music production business by creating a website.
5. Get A Music Studio
Getting a music studio is an important step in becoming a successful music producer in Nigeria. A music studio is where you will be able to record, produce, and mix music.
Having a dedicated music studio space will give you the freedom to create and work on your music at your own pace and schedule.
It will also provide a professional environment where you can meet with clients, record artists and hold workshops.
When looking for a music studio, you should consider the location, the size, and the equipment available. Some important things to look for in a music studio include:
- A soundproof room to reduce external noise
- Quality equipment such as microphones, mixers, and monitors
- Good acoustics for better sound quality
- Space for storing instruments and equipment
You can either rent a music studio or build one, depending on your budget. Renting a studio can be a good option if you’re just starting out or if you don’t have the funds to invest in building a studio.
Building your own studio can be a good option if you have the funds and if you plan to work on music production long-term.
6. Network
Networking is an important step in becoming a successful music producer in Nigeria. As a music producer, is good to connect with other music professionals, such as singers, rappers, other producers, and industry professionals.
Networking can help you gain experience working on a wide range of projects, and expose you to new audiences. This can lead to more opportunities for gigs, collaborations, and paid work.
One way to network is by attending music industry events, such as concerts, music festivals, and networking events.
This will give you the opportunity to meet other music professionals and industry professionals in person.
Another way to network is to join online music communities, such as music forums and social media groups. This will give you the opportunity to connect with other music professionals and industry professionals online.
You can also network by collaborating with other music professionals. This can include working on projects together or even just exchanging ideas and feedback on each other’s work.
Remember to always be professional and respectful when networking, and to be genuine in your interactions with others.
7. Remix Popular Hits
By remixing popular hits, you can gain exposure to new audiences and showcase your skills.
Remixing popular hits can be a great way to get your name out there and gain recognition as a music producer.
You can remix popular songs and put your own spin on them, which can help you to stand out in the industry.
You can also remix popular hits and submit them to music blogs and websites, which can help you to gain exposure and connect with new audiences.
Please note that when remixing popular songs, you must have the proper rights and permissions from the original artist or copyright holder.
You should also ensure that your remix is not a copy of the original song, but rather, an original work that creatively builds on the original. Remember to be patient and persistent in your efforts.
How To Make Money From Music Production In Nigeria
Making money from music production in Nigeria can be challenging, but there are several ways to monetize your skills and turn your passion into a profitable business.
Here are a few ways to make money as a music producer in Nigeria:
1. Selling Beats
One of the most common ways to make money as a music producer is to sell your beats to other artists. You can create a website or use platforms like Beatstars and Airbit to sell your beats to artists looking for instrumentals for their songs.
You can make money by selling beats to artists both locally and internationally. The cost of a beat can vary depending on the producer’s level of experience and expertise.
An average price for a single beat can range from ₦20,000 to ₦100,000. However, some producers may charge more or less depending on the demand for their beats.
Another way to make money from selling beats is by offering beat subscriptions or memberships. This allows artists to purchase a set number of beats per month at a discounted rate. This can be a good way to generate consistent revenue as a music producer.
2. Instruments And Equipment Rental
One of the best ways for music producers to make money is by renting out their instruments and equipment to other musicians and producers.
This can include renting out instruments such as keyboards, guitars, and drum kits, as well as equipment such as mixers, microphones, and audio interfaces.
This can be a great way for producers to generate additional income, particularly if they have invested in high-end equipment that is in demand.
It can also be a way for them to make their equipment available to up-and-coming producers and musicians who may not have the resources to purchase their own equipment.
3. Music Licensing
Another way to make money is by licensing your music to be used in movies, TV shows, video games, and other forms of media.
You can contact music libraries or production companies to inquire about licensing opportunities.
4. Live Performances
If you’re a music producer that also performs live, you can earn money by playing gigs at clubs, festivals, and events.
It’s also possible to make money by performing live online through platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Live.
5. Online Music Tutoring
If you have the skills and knowledge, you can make money by teaching others how to produce music online. You can create a course or tutorial on a platform like Udemy, Skillshare or Coursera.
6. Music Production Services
You can also make money by offering production services such as mixing and mastering to other artists. You can reach out to artists and bands in your area and offer your services.
7. Music Merchandise
You can also make money by creating merchandise based on your music production brand. This could include T-shirts, hats, phone cases, etc.
Remember that making money in the music industry takes time and persistence. Be proactive and always be on the lookout for new opportunities to monetize your skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a music producer in Nigeria is a challenging but rewarding career. To be successful, it’s important to learn music production, get training, practice, and promote your skills on social media.
Networking with other industry professionals and getting a music studio can also help you to grow your career.
Additionally, remixing popular hits and selling beats can generate income. Also, renting out instruments and equipment can be another way to make money.
With dedication and persistence, you can make a name for yourself and be successful in the music production industry in Nigeria.
