In the Nigerian music industry, several artists like Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, and Dija saw their careers stall after leaving Mavin Records. Similarly, on November 7, 2013, Afrobeats superstar Wande Coal had a public fallout with his former label boss, Don Jazzy, over intellectual property theft after his exit from Mavin Records.
The late Mohbad was also reportedly blacklisted by his former label CEO, Naira Marley, after parting ways with Marlian Records.
These cases have led many to believe that artists’ careers are often hijacked and brought to a standstill after leaving their labels.
Cameroonian musician Collins Njang Mengu, known by his stage name Kocee, has shared his thoughts on the issue of creatives being blacklisted and canceled after parting ways with their bosses.
The singer expressed concerns over the cancel and blacklist cultures in the industry, which have affected many young talents and rising stars.
In an interview with Hip TV, monitored by Revolve Muzic, the ‘Credit Alert’ composer highlighted the challenges artists face after leaving their labels, noting that it takes grace to survive in the industry post-departure.
Kocee believes that a former boss can blacklist an artist, causing them to lose deals and gigs following a bitter separation.
Explaining how labels manage to blacklist former acts, he mentioned that labels handle everything from promotion to marketing of an artist’s music and craft while they are signed.
Kocee advised artists to build their connections and networks during their time with a label to safeguard against being blacklisted and canceled in the future.
