Ghanaian artiste Trigmatic has urged musicians in the country to seek legal assistance when signing contracts.
Speaking at the African Music Business Dialogue and Music Showcase ’25 at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum on March 28, 2025, Trigmatic emphasised that artistes should not be stingy when it comes to securing their careers.
He stressed the importance of considering the long-term implications of contracts to avoid future regrets.
“When they send you that 40-page contract and you know you can’t read it, get a lawyer and stop being stingy. Lawyers don’t just speak English, they also love money.
“You need to understand the role you are playing when working on a project and charge accordingly. Also, think long-term when signing contracts. If you sign a contract where a commercial will run for an extended period, you will continue earning royalties whenever it airs. That way, you won’t become a burden to your family,” he explained.
Trigmatic also advised artistes to avoid a sense of entitlement in the music industry and plan for retirement to prevent financial struggles in old age.
“Some of us have dropped out of school, and that is a bad decision. But since that is the path you’ve chosen, your survival depends on it.
“One of the most profitable areas in the music industry is synchronization. Sometimes, while watching television, pay attention to what they are doing, create a sound bite, and sell it to them.
“There are many ways to earn money in this industry. Using this method can serve as your retirement plan. There is no documentary without music, so why should an artiste be poor? It’s because we often make poor decisions. As I said, you shouldn’t feel entitled, it’s not anybody’s responsibility to take care of you,” he added.
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