‘Wizkid, Wande Coal Took Loans at Some Point in Their Careers’ – Music Executive, Godwin Tom
Godwin Tom, the Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing Nigeria, recently shared insights into the remarkable journey of Nigerian artists, shedding light on their relentless dedication to achieving stardom. In an interview with 3Music TV in Accra, Ghana, Tom revealed that acclaimed artists such as Wizkid and Wande Coal took significant steps, including obtaining bank loans, to finance their musical careers.
During the interview, Tom emphasized the determination and financial investments made by Nigerian artists in their careers. He cited examples of Wizkid and Wande Coal, highlighting their strong belief in themselves and their willingness to bet on their talents. These artists’ stories serve as a testament to the resilience and ambition that many Nigerian musicians possess.
Tom stated, “Nigerian artists put their own money into achieving stardom. I will give you an example. I know, for example, that Wizkid took a loan at some point for his career. He believed in himself and bet on himself. Wande Coal did the same thing.”
He also acknowledged the incredible drive of Nigerian artists when they receive recognition abroad, especially in places like Accra, Ghana. When Nigerian musicians discover that their songs have reached the number one spot in Accra, they spare no effort to capitalize on the newfound attention. They are willing to go to great lengths to seize opportunities, even if it means borrowing money to fund their travels and promotional activities.
Tom elaborated on this point, saying, “If a Nigerian artist hears that his song is number one in Accra, he is showing up the next day. He is going to borrow money if he has to. He’s gonna come do radio interviews. He’s gonna find who he needs to talk to. He’s gonna come in and find out how he can capitalize on that attention. He would do some club appearances. He would make some money. He could enter this country with $100 and leave with $20,000.”
Godwin Tom’s insights offer a glimpse into the dedication, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian artists who are determined to make their mark on the global music scene. Their stories of perseverance and financial investment underscore the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Nigerian music industry, where talent and ambition often lead to extraordinary success.
