Let’s start with some raw truth. Being insanely talented in sports, music, or entertainment doesn’t guarantee billionaire status. Anthony Joshua, the heavyweight boxing champion, is dropping some serious gems on wealth creation—and it’s worth listening to.

In a raw and honest take, Joshua pointed out that becoming a billionaire requires more than dominating the ring, the stage, or the screen. Sure, we admire the likes of Jay-Z, Rihanna, and LeBron James, but they’re not billionaires just because they’re great at what they do. Their secret? Diversifying their hustle.

Take Jay-Z, for example. He didn’t just stop at music. The man built empires—business ventures that grew his wealth far beyond the studio. Rihanna? She’s a queen not just in pop but also in the beauty game. Fenty Beauty skyrocketed her to billionaire status, not another hit single. And then there’s Michael Jordan. He turned being a basketball legend into a lifelong money-maker through investments, branding deals, and the global phenomenon that is Air Jordan.

Joshua’s point is that talent opens the door, but smart investments keep it open.

“Don’t get lost in the hype,” he says. Focus on sustainability. Learn the ropes of business. And don’t just think short-term—build something that lasts.

This advice isn’t about ditching your dreams; it’s about expanding them. Love your craft, excel in it, but always look at the bigger picture. When you’re out there chasing your goals, keep this in mind: the billionaires in entertainment and sports didn’t just ride the wave—they built their own ships.

The question now is, are you ready to start building yours?

Imagine hearing your track in a Netflix series, a hit video game, or a national ad campaign. That’s the power of a sync deal—getting your music placed in films, TV shows, commercials, or even YouTube videos.

If this isn’t on your radar, you’re leaving cash on the table.

Best part? You don’t have to be a chart-topping artist to make it happen. Independent artists are landing sync deals every day. All it takes is the right strategy—and today, we’re giving you the playbook to get started.

But first, what exactly Is a sync deal?

In simple terms, a sync deal is when your music is licensed to sync up with visual media. You get paid, the creator gets the perfect sound for their project, and your music gets exposed to a whole new audience.

It’s a win-win.

How much can you earn? Well, this really depends on a lot of factors including your negotiation power and the size of the project. But then, when you add royalties, you’re looking at a steady income stream.

So, how do you get started?

Step One: Make Your Music Sync-Worthy

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel here. What matters is having tracks that are polished, versatile, and ready to use.

To make your music sync-worthy, the first thing to do is polish your tracks
This is non-negotiable: your music must sound professional. Invest in good mixing and mastering—it can make the difference between your song being skipped over or licensed.

Then, have instrumentals ready
Music supervisors LOVE instrumentals. Why? Because vocals can clash with dialogue in TV shows or commercials. Always have an instrumental version of your track on hand.

Also, write relatable lyrics
If you’re submitting songs with vocals, keep it universal. Songs about love, empowerment, or nostalgia are always in demand. But that super-specific breakup song about your ex? Maybe not so much.

Step Two: Master Your Metadata

Metadata might sound boring, but it’s your ticket to being discovered. Think of it like SEO for your music. You should include stuff like:

• Genre and Mood: Is your song upbeat? Cinematic? Chill? Let them know.
• Keywords: Use terms a music supervisor might search for, like “upbeat acoustic” or “epic orchestral.”
• Contact Info: Always, always, always make it easy for them to reach you.

Quick tip: Study the metadata on songs that have already been synced. See how they describe their tracks and use that as inspiration.

Step Three: Get Your Music on Licensing Platforms

You don’t need an agent to pitch your music for sync deals. Platforms exist to connect artists like you with content creators, filmmakers, and brands.

Top Platforms for Sync Licensing Include

• Songtradr: Upload your tracks, set your prices, and let the platform do the heavy lifting.
• Artlist: A favorite for filmmakers, especially for high-quality, cinematic tracks.
• Musicbed: Perfect if your style leans cinematic, acoustic, or indie.
• Pond5: Great for experimental tracks and global visibility.

These platforms are like marketplaces—just upload your music, add that all-important metadata, and wait for supervisors to come knocking.

Step Four: Make Connections

To be honest, sometimes it’s who you know. But even if you don’t know anyone in the sync world, you can change that.

• Pitch Your Music Directly: Find music supervisors on LinkedIn or film credits. Send them a short email with links to your best, sync-ready tracks.
• Collaborate with Indie Creators: Indie filmmakers, YouTubers, and podcasters are always on the hunt for affordable music. Many of them will jump at the chance to work with emerging artists.
• Attend Sync Events: Online and in-person sync workshops or conferences are goldmines for connections.

Step Five: Lock Down Your Rights

Before your music goes anywhere, you’ll need to make sure your business side is solid.

Copyright Your Songs. Protect your work by registering your tracks with your country’s copyright office.

So, what are you waiting for? Your music belongs out there, playing during epic moments on screen and putting money in your pocket.

Start now. The world’s waiting to hear your sound.

Rolling Stone just dropped their list of the 250 greatest albums of the 21st century, and guess what? Four Nigerian heavyweights—Burna Boy, Wizkid, Asake, and Tems—made the cut.

This isn’t just about music. This is a cultural revolution.

Starting with Burna Boy. His African Giant doesn’t just sound good—it feels like a battle cry for Afrobeat domination. Released in 2019, this album grabbed the world’s attention, earned him a Grammy nod, and screamed, “Africa is here to stay!” It’s the type of album that hits deep, blending tradition with the cool edge of modern sounds.

Then there’s Asake, the new kid growing in leaps and bounds. In 2022, he dropped Mr Money With the Vibe, and yeah… he didn’t miss. It’s gritty. It’s energetic. And with tracks like ‘Organise’ and ‘Terminator,’ it quickly became the soundtrack for both local street parties and international playlists.

You can no longer talk about African musical exports without mentioning Tems. In 2020, her debut EP For Broken Ears turned heads and hearts with her soulful sound. Since then, it has been from heavyweight collaboration to the other, rendering validity to her incredible gift to the world. Tems gave us depth, raw emotion, and a vibe that’s made her one of the most sought-after voices globally.

And of course, we have Wizkid. If Afrobeat were a throne, Wizkid’s Made in Lagos is the crown jewel. Released in 2020, this album didn’t just cater to fans back home; it broke boundaries. Collaborations with international heavyweights and that smooth-as-silk vibe? It’s no wonder the world couldn’t get enough.

What makes these albums so special isn’t just the music itself. It’s the stories, the resilience, and the undeniable creativity that went into crafting them. Each one represents a piece of the Afrobeat puzzle that’s taken over the world stage.

So, yeah, these aren’t just albums. They’re proof that Afrobeat is no longer waiting to be recognized. It’s here, it’s loud, and it’s changing the soundscape of the 21st century—one banger at a time.

Feeling the vibe yet? Because the Afrobeat revolution is only just beginning. Especially when you consider the coming giants yet unsung. Talk about the likes of Skelvin. His 2021 album, “Rendition”, registered his name in a competition of promising Nigerian artists whose presence signals the hope of Afrobeat’s global longevity.

EA Mous is a rising Nigerian artist making waves in the music scene with his unique blend of Afrobeat and contemporary sounds. He is known for his emotive storytelling and captivating rhythms, which has earned a reputation for versatility.

In April 2024, he released the heartfelt single "Pain," featuring Tidox, which resonated deeply with fans for its powerful lyrics and engaging melody. This track, along with others, is available on Apple Music and showcases his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.

EA Mous's expanding discography includes standout tracks like "Phenomenal" from his TMR (Take My Rose) EP, "Nobody" featuring Thee Ori, "Kele Kele Luv," and "Something" featuring Fofa, all part of the critically acclaimed album Breakfast In Paradise (2024).

EA Mous’s artistry speaks volumes. He continues to collaborate with talented artists, pushing creative boundaries and solidifying his place as one of Nigeria’s emerging music stars.

A Life-Changing Opportunity for Musicians from Developing Countries

Are you ready to take your musical journey to the next level? Imagine being heard not just on local stages, but in the heart of Germany, one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in the world. Your chance is here, to show the world your artistry and make an unforgettable mark.

Thanks to the Goethe-Institut, musicians and ensembles from developing and transitioning countries have the incredible chance to showcase their talent on a global platform. Whether you’re a professional artist, part of a passionate amateur group, or a newcomer ensemble brimming with potential, this grant is your gateway to something extraordinary.

The focus here is on meaningful cultural exchange. Goethe-Institut isn’t interested in short-lived experiences. Instead, they’re looking for projects that resonate—think concerts, workshops, and panels that bring people together, foster collaboration, and create ripples of creativity long after the applause fades.

What Makes This Different?

This isn’t a typical travel fund or a ticket to a quick show. Goethe-Institut has sustainability at its core. They actively support eco-friendly travel options (hello, scenic train rides!) and only back projects that are thoughtfully planned and culturally significant.

So, what kind of projects catch their eye? Those with a strong sense of purpose. If your work blends artistic brilliance with genuine cultural dialogue, this program is made for you.

What You’ll Need?

You’re going to need an invitation from your German collaborators—because nothing great happens solo! Alongside that, a solid project description, a detailed schedule, and an audio sample showcasing your talent will help paint the full picture of what makes your ensemble extraordinary.

They want to know who you are and why this matters. You’ll be sharing bios, participant details, and even your thoughts on sustainability (pro tip: they love creative, low-carbon travel solutions!).

Timing Is Everything

Planning to apply? Make sure your project is still in its planning stages. Goethe-Institut can’t fund any trips or travel you’ve already booked, so the sooner you submit your application, the better. Remember: they need at least three months to review and approve your project.

Ready to Make It Happen?

If you’ve been dreaming of taking your music to new heights, don’t wait. This is your chance to connect with global audiences, collaborate with German artists, and add a groundbreaking chapter to your story.

Don’t just perform—transform. Take that leap. Start your application today. Your stage in Germany is waiting.