Being an independent artist is exciting, right? Freedom, you know… You get to call the shots, create your art, and share it with the world on your own terms.

But let’s have some moment of truth - it’s also exhausting. Between writing songs, recording, promoting yourself, booking gigs, and keeping up with social media, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. Many indie artists get stuck in this endless cycle, where time feels like the one thing they can’t control.

But here’s the good news: You can take back your schedule, and it’s not as hard as you think.

Let’s show you how.

But first…

Why Does Time Feel Like a Trap?

You’re not just an artist—you’re a business owner, manager, marketer, and creator all rolled into one. That’s a lot of hats to wear, and it’s no wonder things get overwhelming.

Plus, the music world is unpredictable. A gig can pop up out of nowhere, social media algorithms demand constant attention, and marketing trends change overnight. It’s chaos.

But chaos doesn’t have to run your life.

How to Break Free

You’re busy, so let’s get straight to the point. Here are some tried-and-true strategies to help you take back control:

1. Focus on What Really Matters

Ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It’s the idea that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts. Think about the tasks that really move the needle for your career—writing killer songs, connecting with fans, or networking with industry folks. Focus there.

And let’s be honest, spending three hours perfecting a single Instagram post probably isn’t the best use of your time.

2. Block Your Time

Time-blocking changes the game! Set aside specific chunks of your day for specific tasks. Mornings for songwriting, afternoons for promoting your music, evenings for engaging with fans. Tools like Google Calendar can help keep you on track. It’s simple but ridiculously effective.

3. Delegate or Automate

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Can’t design a gig poster? Hire a freelancer on Fiverr. Hate scheduling posts? Use a tool like Buffer or Hootsuite. Delegating and automating isn’t cheating; it’s smart.

4. Set Goals You Can Actually Hit

Big dreams are awesome, but trying to do too much at once will burn you out. Instead, set realistic, bite-sized goals. For example, aim to release one single every quarter instead of rushing a track out every month. You’ll feel less stressed, and your work will shine.

5. Protect Your Creative Time

Your creativity is sacred—treat it that way. Block off “no-interruption” time where you can focus on your music without distractions. Turn off notifications, put your phone on airplane mode, and just create. Apps like Forest can help you stay in the zone.

Your New Secret Weapons

You’ve got the mindset; now you need the tools. Here are a few to keep in your back pocket:

• Trello or Asana: Keep track of tasks and deadlines.
• Canva: Design pro-looking visuals without needing a design degree.
• DistroKid: Simplify getting your music on streaming platforms.
• Spotify for Artists: Use data to plan smarter releases.

Take Back Your Time

You don’t have to feel like you’re drowning in tasks. Start small. Try time-blocking for a week or set one realistic goal today. Little changes can make a big difference.

And hey, if you’re feeling stuck, just remember this: You got into this because you love making music. By managing your time better, you’ll have more space for the thing that matters most - creating.

Here’s to taking control.

It’s been another fantastic year for Nigerian music globally. The songs are charting, the artists are headlining, and Afrobeats is undeniably one of the biggest genres in the world. But something feels… off. For all the success we’ve seen in 2024, there hasn’t been a single Nigerian music award ceremony to celebrate it. Not one.

No Headies, no SoundCity MVP, no AFRIMA. Even the Trace Awards, which showed promise last year, didn’t happen. For a country leading the global music conversation, that’s a strange reality.

The Global Hype vs. Local Apathy

Let’s be honest—Nigerian music doesn’t need a sales pitch anymore. It’s doing incredibly well internationally. Rema, Burna Boy, Asake, and others are all over global stages, racking up awards and breaking records. But back home? The infrastructure to document and celebrate these achievements seems shaky at best.

Here’s the thing: global awards like the Grammys are great, but they’re not designed to tell our story. They won’t celebrate the subtle cultural shifts or the smaller wins that matter to us. If we don’t recognize our own, who will?

Why Are We Here?

Some might point to the usual suspects—economic challenges, lack of sponsorship, or poor organization. Sure, those play a role. But there’s also this sense that the people who should care the most—artists, labels, and other industry players—aren’t doing enough to support local recognition platforms.

It’s not entirely their fault, though. Many of these awards have struggled with credibility and relevance. When people don’t trust the process, it’s hard to build enthusiasm around it. Add that to the constant financial struggles, and it’s easy to see why organizers might throw in the towel.

What Can Be Done?

Here’s where things get interesting. Instead of seeing this as a failure, maybe it’s time to see it as a chance to rethink everything. Nigerian music is bigger than it’s ever been. There’s an opportunity to build something fresh, something that truly reflects where the industry is now.

For starters, we need new players—people with fresh ideas and a willingness to take risks. Why not use technology to make awards more transparent and engaging? Imagine fan-driven voting systems that actually work or virtual ceremonies that save on costs.

But it’s not just about the organizers. Artists need to step up too. It’s not enough to win big abroad; they have to invest in building systems at home. And the same goes for sponsors. Nigerian music is a global brand—investing in it locally should be a no-brainer.

Moving Forward

It’s wild that in a year when Nigerian music reached such incredible heights, there’s no local stage to celebrate it. Awards aren’t just about trophies—they’re about telling our story and leaving a legacy.

The Nigerian music industry is at a crossroads. We can keep chasing international applause, or we can also look inward and build the structures we need to thrive locally. Because if we don’t tell our own story, someone else will—and they might not get it right

Why isn’t Kenyan music a global hit? Everyone’s talking about it. Nigeria has Afrobeats, South Africa has Amapiano, and both are flying high internationally. Meanwhile, Kenya—culturally rich and packed with talent—seems stuck on the sidelines.

It’s easy to blame the usual suspects: no unifying sound, limited resources, or even colonial history. But maybe, just maybe, the real problem lies closer to home. Are Kenyans giving their music the love it deserves?

Take a look at what happens in Nigeria and South Africa. Their DJs, partygoers, and even regular listeners hype their own music like it’s the best thing on the planet. And guess what? The world believes them. But in Kenya? You’re more likely to hear Amapiano and Bongo Flava than Kenyan tracks on the radio or at parties. Even Kenyan DJs seem hesitant to push local music as hard as foreign hits. Why is that?

Blinky Bill, the lead singer of Just A Band, said it perfectly: “We haven’t rallied behind Kenyan music.” And he’s not wrong. Sauti Sol and other Kenyan stars have done amazing work, but they’re often overshadowed, even on home turf. How can the world celebrate Kenyan music if Kenyans don’t start the party themselves?

And it’s not like they’re short on talent or variety. Kenyan music is a beautiful mash-up of styles—from the hard-hitting gengetone to the nostalgic sounds of Benga. That diversity is something no other country can claim. Yet, without local support, it’s hard for those styles to find footing internationally.

But here’s where things get tricky: the industry doesn’t make it easy. Many Kenyan artists can’t afford to make music their full-time job. Studios are underfunded, and opportunities to break into international markets are rare. It’s a chicken-and-egg problem. No industry growth means no income for musicians; no income means fewer full-time artists.

Still, change isn’t impossible. It’s simple, really. Want Kenyan music to go global? Play it, request it, and share it. If Kenyans hype their own songs the way Nigerians and South Africans do, they’ll create that buzz. And buzz matters.

So, the next time you’re at a party or scrolling through your playlist, don’t just reach for the familiar. Try Kenyan. Play it loud, love it harder, and who knows? Maybe that’s all it takes to spark something big.

Raha Fest in Kenya is about to get a whole lot more exciting this December! Shenseea, the Jamaican hitmaker, is all set to headline the festival’s Day 2 on December 31st at Uhuru Gardens, marking her debut performance in the country.

Fans have been waiting for this moment for a while, especially after a previous concert was canceled last minute. When the announcement finally dropped on August 8th, you could practically hear the excitement from Kenya and beyond.

Shenseea is no stranger to the global stage, with hits like "Lick," "Pon Mi," and her guest appearance on Kanye West’s "Pure Souls" alongside Roddy Ricch, which hit the Billboard Hot 100.

But this performance at Raha Fest isn’t just about one artist—it’s about the growing international recognition of Kenyan music festivals. Raha Fest is quickly becoming one of the biggest events on the continent, drawing in not just Kenyan artists but big names from across Africa and the Caribbean. Alongside Shenseea, Tanzanian stars Alikiba and Marioo will also take the stage, making it a cross-continental celebration of music.

This year’s Raha Fest feels different. It’s more than just a party; it’s a statement. Kenya’s music scene is becoming a must-stop for international artists, and festivals like Raha Fest are leading the way. With its powerful lineup, this edition of the festival shows how much the country is growing as a hub for global music acts. Shenseea’s performance will only add to that momentum, offering Kenyan fans an unforgettable taste of her unique sound.

In a way, this is also a reflection of how Kenyan festivals are catching the eyes of the world. What started as local events is now making waves internationally, bringing together diverse sounds and cultures under one roof. Shenseea’s visit is just the latest chapter in this exciting transformation.