Malawi's entertainment industry is booming, but making it big requires more than just talent. It takes a keen sense of business and the ability to negotiate a good deal.
From recording contracts to brand partnership, negotiation can make or break a career. But what does it take to close a deal?
Gwamba Is one of the Hip Hop Musician ever graced here in Malawi. He emphasized on he prepare for negotiation when it comes to music events and music deals.
In an interview, he said, “when it comes to negotiations of music events and deals, usually, we have a contract and in a contract, we have a booking fee and we have condition like you can't announce my name before 50% of the fee is paid and I only go on stage after the remaining 50% is Paid”.
“This is because, you don't want to be looking after organizers after we perform because sometimes I had scenarios where artists can perform and organizers can not be there at the time of being paid. So I've learned from that and that's how we do these days” he added.
Gwamba said when it comes to deals, he thinks the biggest deal he has right now is Betway.
He said, “When it comes to deal, I think the biggest deal I have right now is with Betway.
“Given the size and value of your brand, you're aware of what it brings to the table. You know their expectations from you, and you also communicate your own expectations to them regarding treatment, compensation, and other aspects”.
“So obviously, you're going to argue, you send the contract back, they change it, you know until you reach a point where everyone is comfortable”.
He added that when you're working with big brands like that, you also have to make sure what your brand is disciplined because if any scandal that you're involved can affect your deal.
Essim Shaibu Mbwana is a well- regarded Malawian videomaker and filmmaker. He has been active In the video shooting industry for over a decade specializing in cinematography, film editing, color grading and computer graphics.
He emphasized on how he do negotiate deals with artists and labels.
In an interview, he said, “We discuss deals with clients preferably on text for documentation sake sometimes in person and via phone call but I make sure something is written down”.
When it comes to terms do you consider essential in a production contract, he said that he agree on concept and budget as well as project duration and also payment plan and credits.
He added that he always learn new things all the time, keeping an eye on new technologies. “Workflow like the recent Al technology, I have already started applying it to my workflow hence understanding it's limitations and using it to my advantage”.
Desert Igwe, also known as Desert Eagle, is a record producer, songwriter and a rapper. He shared his perspective on how he negotiate deals with artists and labels.
He said, “When negotiating deals, I prioritize clear communication, mutual respect, and a win-win approach. I consider the artist's vision, goals and target audience as well as the labels expectations and constraints”.
“I'm flexible and open to creative solutions that benefit all parties involved. My experience in the industry has taught me to be transparent about my production style, costs and timelines, ensuring everyone is on the same page” he added.
Desert Eagle said that he considers clear definition of the scope of work and responsibilities, Ownership and copyright agreements, Budget and expenses agreements when it comes to essential terms in a production contract.
He also stays up to date with industry trends and adapts his production style by attending industrial events, collaborating with other producers, and analyzing current charts and emerging genres.
Prince Chikweba is a notable Malawian music manager, primarily recognized for this work with the dancehall artist, Eli Njuchi.
Chikweba shared his perspective on strategies used to negotiate a record deal that benefits both the label and the artist.
He said, “Every business need to have guidelines, these dictate the balanced expectations of the parties involved, our role is to build a product that creates value for everyone to benefit in the conversation”.
“Our dealing are not new, we use models that have been there with tailor making a few aspects” he added.
When it comes what determine the value of an artist's work when offering a record deal, Chikweba said, “It's all about the ability to expand potential in talent, our business center at identifying potential that can be build into value that transcends all valuable business venture”.
He added that balancing the creative control of artists with the commercial goals of the label is an ongoing process. “Like any business, there is always a need for all departments to work together to drive that balance and ensure each role in the business complements the others."
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