Ghanaian singer and songwriter, Ethel Esi Eshun, popularly known as Queen eShun, has advised upcoming artists to consider managing their own careers rather than being under a record label.
Speaking on Starr Showbiz with Feeling Daddy on Starr 103.5 FM on Saturday, February 28, Queen eShun shared insights from her own experience navigating the music industry.
The singer revealed that after working with her former manager, Steve, she spent some time running her music independently before pausing for school. Reflecting on this period, she explained that managing one’s own affairs allows artists to maintain freedom and avoid restrictive contracts.
“You can partner with distribution companies or bring people on board to help, but you don’t absolutely have to sign a contract,” she said.
“Usually these contracts are death traps.
“They trap you for a long time and take your freedom.”
Queen eShun highlighted the potential conflicts that can arise when a manager’s interests clash with those of the artist.
She noted that even with the best intentions, a manager may influence the artistic direction or career path in ways that don’t align with the artist’s vision.
“You have to get a team that understands your brand, your style, your goal, your voice, your power. If they don’t, it will mess you up,” she explained. “They are there to support you, but they are also thinking about themselves.”
Queen eShun emphasized that self-management does not mean rejecting guidance entirely. She encouraged artists to listen to advice but stressed the importance of retaining control over their careers.
“For now, it is a ‘you’ thing. They are here because of you. It makes the job easier and helps you reach your destination faster,” she added, citing examples of other artists successfully managing their own teams.
Her candid reflections provide a cautionary tale for emerging musicians, underscoring the value of independence, careful planning, and strategic partnerships in building a sustainable music career.
