Bullgod, CEO of Bullhaus Entertainment and artiste manager has expressed genuine concern for the future of Lasmid, the hitmaker of the song “Friday Night,” after he terminated his contract with Kaywa and his ‘Highly Spiritual Music’ label.
Kaywa had confirmed rumours that the MTN Hitmaker 8 winner Lasmid had parted ways with the music label in an earlier interview with Andy Dosty on Adom TV.
He explained that the “Friday Night” crooner had begun talking about leaving the label even before the 24th VGMA. Rumour has it that Lasmid wanted out because his request for a 50-50 split of revenue was declined.
In response to the development, Bullgod sought to first understand what Lasmid means exactly if he indeed wanted a 50-50 split, wondering whether the artiste was also ready to invest 50-50.
“When you say 50-50, what does it mean? So let’s take Vanilla, we’re investing everything, money, time and all that so he doesn’t have to spend his money. He’s also spending his time and talent. So when we say we’re giving you 10% of revenue and retain 90%, and you agree
and sign, at which point do you demand 50-50 split? Maybe after 6 months, 8 months or one hit song depending on the time span it takes, you ask for more…we don’t have a problem with that, but the question is, will you invest 50-50? Because you need to invest before you recoup,” he told host of the Connect FM’s Entertainment Review Show Ato Kwamina D’Gem.
Nana Asiamah Hanson, as known officially, bemoaned that people downplay the guidance and investments music labels provide for artistes they sign.
According to him, without those, the talent will amount to nothing.
“We keep downplaying [the role of] artiste management, brands and labels but they play a serious role. We have so many talents, why are they not all out there?
You need guidance and it takes a lot to do that. It’s not like we pick you up and everything starts working out automatically. You have your voice, if you think you can make it on your own, why did go for management?”
He added that if budding artistes feel they can do it without labels, the should just do it without worrying label owners.
“… if Lasmid or anybody out there think they can do it, they should just do it. They shouldn’t come and worry people and later demand 50-50 because it’s unfair. If you want 50-50, no problem, but first pay the money we’ve put in your craft and I’m sure if you speak to Kaywa he’ll agree to this.”
The former manager of Shatta Wale expressed fear about the future of the artiste.
“I’ve seen countless acts leave like that and it didn’t turn out right. Kurl Songx left the label first and now where’s he? Where in the world Kurl Songx would have made two songs with Sarkodie back to back? Kaywa made it happen. And then Yaw Berk. Where are they now?
Sometimes we just have to look at what has happened already though our destinies are different. Even in marriages disagreements pop up, divorces happen. Even if you don’t get settlement, you have to leave amicably,” Bullgod said.
Lasmid has not yet commented on his departure from Highly Spiritual Music.
Ghana Weekend’s Take
Bullgod’s fears for Lasmid’s future are understandable. Leaving a record label can be a risky move, especially for an artist who is still relatively new to the industry.
Record labels provide a number of valuable services to their artists, including promotion, marketing, and distribution. They also have the resources to help artists develop their careers and reach a wider audience. Without the support of a record label, it can be difficult for an artist to succeed.
However, there are also some potential benefits to leaving a record label. Artists who leave their labels have more control over their careers. They can choose their own producers, write their own songs, and release their music when they want to. They can also negotiate their own contracts, which can give them a larger share of the profits from their music.
Ultimately, whether or not Lasmid’s decision to leave Highly Spiritual Music is a good one remains to be seen. He has the talent and potential to succeed on his own, but he will need to work hard and be smart about his career choices. If he can do that, he could have a bright future ahead of him.
