Tough Love: Open letter to artist managers!

Managers are hindering the growth of their clients. I am making this sweeping statement after observing how most artists are being managed by their handlers and I am disappointed.

I have dealt with a few good managers but most are a nightmare to deal with. They are an actual impediment to the growth of their clients because they make them inaccessible.

For an artist to grow their brand, they need exposure. That means, they need the media to grow. Artists become has-beens when what they do no longer becomes news worthy and as the adage goes, out of sight is out of mind. . I don’t want to have to boot lick for an interview and quite frankly, I lack the diplomacy and patience to endure running round in circles pursuing an interview. In order to do my job and fulfill Ghafla’s vision of promoting stardom, we need to work together. Ghafla has the reach (+200,000 readers per month) so by granting me an interview; you are doing yourself and your client a favour.

Another thing artists need is for them to be conveniently accessible to potential clients. All the attitude and snobbery from a lot of managers is such a waste. I have seen artists lose out on contracts because the manager didn’t know just who they were dealing with ergo were rude.

I do not see why whereas the artists are usually easy going when approached directly, the managers are difficult. A managers job is to guide the artists career and help the artist with matters business, not to become an obstruction. For Kenya’s industry to grow, we need professionalism from everyone involved in the entertainment industry.

I oft wonder why managers frustrate my endeavour to give their clients exposure yet that is one way to grow the brand that is the artist. Come off your high horse and have a really good look at it, you’re riding a wombat! The emperor’s new clothes aren’t all that either.

So if you are a manager, take stock of your actions and ask yourself how they augur in the betterment of your client’s career.