THE “MAKOSSIST” SYNDROME IS AVOIDABLE IN THE URBAN MUSIC INDUSTRY . READ ON !!

The Cameroon music ecosystem has gradually become incredibly bankable. Artists now generate a great income flow from digital sales, licensing, live performances, endorsements and merchandising.
However, artists should prioritize creating multiple streams of income
in order not to fall prey of moving from riches to rags . Be smart.
Apparently, the artists that will survive financially when their careers are on the downswing are those that invested in diverse income generating activities.
When some artists start basking in fame, hugely solicited for shows and enjoy the spotlight , they indulge in a lavish , extravagant lifestyle and impulsive spending which creates a deep dent in their finances.
The first bankruptcy I ever learned about as a child was that of MC Hammer, who burned through millions in the wake of the success of “U Can’t Touch This”. Sure, it was a catchy pop hit and the video’s harem trousers were a look, but that wasn’t enough to fund MC Hammer’s rumoured 90-person entourage, $20m mansion (£19m in current terms) and tax payments. In 1996, he owed more than $13m (£12.6m today), while owning about $9m (£8.7m today) in assets.
TLC that sold platinum in the 90’s , 7 times grammy award winner and In da club billboard chart topper 50 cent filed for bankruptcy.
A myriad of makossa artists who saturated the national media outlet crtv and tele podium in the 90s are now languishing in the mire of poverty and destitution after their careers waned.
Our present day celebs are cashing in from their tours and endorsements but trust me if care isn’t taken, they might end up asylum seekers abroad , end up getting married to “oyibo” women , or look for odd jobs to sustain their lives. That’s exactly what’s happening with many makossa artists who made chart-topping hits when the genre was en vogue.
It’s quite apparent that there shall be a time when you will no longer make hits , that moment you feel the gods of hits are against you. You shall see the money you made dwindle to bankruptcy and you get back to zero . Getting bankrupt is a pitfall in an artist’s life. Create multiple streams of income.
The Cameroon music industry hasn’t a well established copyright structure where artists can amass huge profit from royalties even when they ain’t making hits. The defunct SOCAM to present day OGC created in 2017, have shown no salient results .
In Nigeria, the copyright society COSON ensures artists reap their royalties .
Alpha Better Records can be lauded for being on the right path.
The record label is bossed by a business-oriented person Salatiel . He has created multiple streams of cash flow that will guarantee the sustainability of his career in the long run. Alpha Better recording studio is great asset.
Mr Leo has established a profitable bar/restaurant business in Buea and other assets that give him absolute financial equilibrium aside his music hustle.
In a Cameroon where the copyright system is marred, be smart and acquire invest your money .