Today, the Nigerian entertainment has grown tremendously, with the likes of the musicians, comedians, actors, reality shows, award shows, concerts and so much more. Every day, we turn on our Television and Radio sets and watch or listen to new entertainers trying to earn the name “celebrity”. It’s no easy feat, I tell you, but it looks like a walk in the park until one gives it a go.

Mountain Black and Mad Melon

In past years, many entertainers would drop an album that thrilled us so much so that we had them on replay…everywhere. We had the likes of Fela Kuti, Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Bright Chimezie, Oliver De Coque, Dan Maraya, Joke Silva, Sadiq Daba, Barbara Soky and how could you forget Sir Victor Uwaifo? Fast-forward a few decades and the likes of D’banj, PSquare, Sunny Ade, Sammy Okposo, Omotola Jalade, Kunle Afolayan, Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic and more storm the Nigerian Entertainment scene. Many of these have managed to retain their relevance – The sole key to longevity in the “game”.

Joke Silva

Today, many young entertainers who quit school to pursue a career seem to retire after releasing 2 songs, featuring in few movies and cracking few jokes depending on which aspect of the industry they are in. Could passion be missing? Could it be that they do not have what it takes to make it through the Nigerian Entertainment track filled with land mines on the way to stardom or they simply do not understand survival in this digital, social-media driven world? As an aspiring entertainer fighting to attach the word “star” or better still “superstar” to your name, these are a few tips on how to make it as a Nigerian entertainer within and outside the country.

1. Realise quickly that you have products; hence, you must quickly evaluate your products offerings and identify your target market.

D’Banj

2. You must find out where, how, why your target audience desires your products and consistently deliver it to your market.

3. You must constantly re-evaluate your brands offerings and re-position it when the needs of your target change.

If your target is under 25 then see what some youngsters had to say about how you can make it in the industry below:

•Believe in yourself when others don’t: In life there ups and downs, so when you come across them, don’t give up. No endorsement today doesn’t mean there won’t be one tomorrow. Believe in yourself and stay focused.
•Work hard for the future not only the present: Hard work pays. Don’t be lazy to do what you love as an entertainer. Don’t sit on your bed and expect to be recognized.
•Don’t get too carried away by the name “celebrity” it is a distraction.
•Have a structure and forum: Make sure you are on any platform that your audience can reach you.

We wish you the very best in your foray into the Nigerian Entertainment scene.