Makwa On Music Business Lessons

Makwa On Music Business Lessons. South African hip hop producer Makwa has reflected on the business lessons he gained during his time at RapLyf, saying his understanding of music contracts, song credits and the financial side of the industry has changed.

Makwa was speaking during an interview with Nine80 Network when he was asked about the difference between the person he was before or during his time at RapLyf and who he is now, particularly in terms of his mindset and how he navigates the music business.

Responding to the question, Makwa said he now understands the importance of knowing what happens when an artist or music professional signs a contract.

He also pointed to the importance of a split sheet when leaving the studio, saying he now knows that the document needs to be in place.

“Now I know that when I leave the studio, there has to be a split sheet,” Makwa said.

The producer said his experiences taught him things he did not know when he entered the industry. He described the music business as “cutthroat”, highlighting the importance of understanding how the business works beyond creating music.

Makwa also discussed the relationship between having a hit song and making money from it. Referring to an interview with Prince Kaybee following the release of “Wajelwa”, Makwa recalled an example in which people were enjoying the song without knowing who had made it.

For Makwa, the example demonstrated that a song becoming popular does not necessarily mean that the financial rewards will immediately follow.

He said people can have a big song without immediately seeing the expected financial returns, adding that some people may wake up expecting to have lots of money simply because a song has become successful.

Makwa also explained that investment in a song can affect when money reaches those involved. According to him, people who invested in the song have to recoup their money before others receive theirs.

His experiences have also changed the way he approaches contracts. Makwa said he no longer reads a contract as someone who is rushing to sign it. Instead, he considers what he may have to deal with after signing and once the contract has ended.

The producer said this understanding has helped him avoid reaching a point where he feels he has been robbed.

“I now understand how things work,” Makwa said.

Check Out The Full Interview Here: