Award-winning recording artist, Disc Jockey, and record producer Dare Olufowobi, better known as DJ Exprezionirevealed how he deals with “stubborn and problematic artists and celebrities” under his watch.

DJ Exprezioni, talent manager and consultant, has worked with Niniola, Sarz and many rising talents in the music industry.

The Lagos-born Disc Jockey opened up about the art of talent management in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday.

In the entertainment industry, talent managers are seen as the guardians of an artist’s career, as they also help create the correct public perception for them.

Besides, they can also help them to strike lucrative deals.

While these responsibilities seem big and easy on paper, they can be tough when it comes to what DJ Exprezioni describes as difficult artists.

Dealing with a stubborn or problematic artist who rarely listens to advice is the hardest part of being a talent manager.

”Some musicians have this behavior I know too well and can complicate all the decisions you make on their behalf. It’s hard to discourage artists from doing what they like and encourage them to do what they don’t like.

“Being able to handle celebrity excesses can be tough, but that’s where patience comes in. Most celebrities, especially when they’re new, can get drunk on the attention and sudden wealth.”

Basics

Dj Exprezioni also advised aspiring talent managers to be ready to put up with all the trouble of celebrity management.

“Managing an artist’s career requires patience and an understanding of that person’s actions and attitudes. Unfortunately, the music industry is full of egos, with many people trying to be “somebody” or claiming they already are. Therefore, it is vital to work around another “artist’s ego”.

Dj Exprezioni advised that talent management must be ready for setbacks and be ready to bounce back.

“People, especially those you rely on, will let you down. Give yourself a good self-assessment considering your talents and how you will best use them for yourself and your artist, and remember to act and be professional at all times. Always see your artists as the key to your success, trust them to make things happen, and be humble and honest,” he said.

The art of talent management

Talent management is not an easy task. This involves attracting and retaining high-quality artists, expanding their capabilities, and constantly motivating them to improve their performance are all part of talent management.

The main objective of talent management is to develop a motivated artist who will stay with your label for a long time. Details on how to achieve this vary from label to label.

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Talking about his passion for the job, DJ Exprezioni said being a talent manager is part of him just like his career as a DJ.

DJ Exprezioni said he understands everything that encompasses talent management.

“I can categorically beat my chest to be part of some of the hottest singing careers on the block.

“Most of the time, many record companies don’t understand the tenets of hiring talent, and so when you see a new generation coming out of the blues, there’s usually something wrong with their old label. It’s a common occurrence. in the Nigerian music industry. It’s almost an African and global thing,” warned DJ Exprezioni.

Exprezioni said that many record labels do not yet consider talent management as an important aspect of an artist’s career.

However, he noted that big names in the industry like Mavins and YBNL have realized that talent management is integral to an artist’s growth and have considered it part of their core issues when dealing with with beginners.

DJ Exprezioni said he looked forward to the time when talent management would be taken seriously as an important career path – because, according to him, “it’s a big business”.