The music industry is a dynamic yet challenging space, where artists are often at the mercy of their managers and Rwanda’s music scene is no exception.

While managers play a big role in helping artists achieve their dreams, guiding them through contract negotiations, performances, and industry networking, the reality is that some artists fall victim to exploitation, which can hinder their financial growth and career sustainability.

This calls for a careful and informed approach to the artist-manager relationship, ensuring that artists protect themselves from manipulation.

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Why do artistes need management?

A manager’s role is to serve as a bridge between an artist and opportunities available in the music business. They negotiate contracts, book gigs, and provide professional advice, allowing the artist to focus on their craft. However, when managers exploit this relationship, it can lead to financial and emotional strain for the artistes.

What are signs of artist exploitation?

According to Jean de Dieu Tuyisenge, the president and legal representative of the Rwanda Music Federation, affiliated with the Rwanda Art Council, exploitation can take many forms, such as unfair contracts.

"Managers may sign a contract with terms heavily skewed in their favour. In this case, artistes may sense lack of transparency, being kept in the dark about earnings, project details, or important decisions,” Tuyisenge told The New Times.

Additionally, overbearing control – managers making every decision without consulting artistes, limiting their creative freedom, financial mismanagement – misuse or withholding of earnings due to unclear financial agreement and to mention but a few.

The case of Niyo Bosco

Bosco Niyokwizerwa, known as Niyo Bosco, recently parted ways with MIE Empire, managed by local journalist and vlogger Irene Murindahabi, claiming that he "never received revenues” from his projects.

He accused his manager of stealing all incomes from his streaming platforms, especially YouTube, a situation that made headlines in the Rwandan showbiz scene in mid-2022.

Niyo Bosco later joined ‘Sunday Entertainment,’ which also didn’t meet his expectations, leading him to briefly sign with ‘Metro Afro’ before moving to KIKAC Music Record Label.

In a September 17 interview with The New Times, the ‘Ubigenza Ute’ hit maker, who is rated as one of Rwanda’s top lyricists and vocalists, reflected on the situation, noting that no one is to blame.

He explained that both parties lacked experience at the time and that he needed the support from his former manager more than anything.

He added that he doesn’t view what happened as exploitation or a loss but as a step in his growth.

"I never felt exploited and consider our relationship as a stepping stone to where I am now. Yes, we made mistakes, but those shouldn’t overshadow our achievements,” he emphasised.

Niyo Bosco has now switched to gospel music.

What motivates artistes exploitation?

Marie France Munyampundu, also known as France Mpundu, pointed out that many record labels and managers lack sufficient funds to fully support musicians&039; projects. This often leads to an unfair distribution of revenue, as they try to recover their investments.

Artists, in desperate situations, may accept any opportunity without considering the long-term consequences.

France, who is currently managed by Huha Records, emphasised the need for more specialised music lawyers to be involved in contract negotiations. This could ensure fairness on both sides. She also suggested an initiative to register artistes and their projects, which would ease the resolution of disputes.

"Artists often enter the music industry eager to succeed but fail to make informed decisions. It's important for them to be able to say 'NO' when necessary, as the terms of the contract shape their future," she said.

Reflecting on her own journey, she acknowledged the strong financial and emotional support from her family, which helped her make smart decisions. She added that a contract can either nurture or stunt an artist's talent.

Music federation weighs in

In many countries, professional organisations like artists’ unions and musician collectives provide essential support to those in the entertainment industry. In Rwanda, the creative industry is represented by bodies such as the Rwanda Music Federation and the Rwanda Art Council.

These organisations offer legal assistance, educational resources, and networking opportunities, making them valuable for artists to join to stay informed about their rights and protections.

Tuyisenge, a renowned Gakondo singer famous for civic engagement songs, highlighted some of the strategies for avoiding exploitation including seeking legal counsel before signing contracts which is one of the most common pitfalls for artistes as they sign contracts without understanding the terms.

"With the new Protection of Intellectual Property law, there is a revised framework for contract agreements. We want fair business dealings. We encourage artists to know their legal rights and access this information to avoid exploitation,” Tuyisenge said.

He noted that both investors and artistes seek profit, but contracts are often prepared to favour one side.

"Many artistes sign unfavourable contracts because they feel they have no other option.”

"Good enough, the federation has a legal advisor who is also an international expert. I urge artists to stay engaged with the federation’s activities and to seek its approval before signing contracts. This can prevent exploitation, as contracts often contain hidden clauses that benefit management over the artist,” he said.