Rema vs Burna Boy: The Power of Team Building After Fame Hits
In the ever-evolving Nigerian music industry, the difference between a one-hit wonder and a global star often lies in one critical factor—the team behind the artist.
Take a closer look at Rema and Burna Boy, two of Africa’s biggest musical exports, and you’ll find a stark contrast in how they’ve structured their support systems. These choices have played key roles in shaping their careers.
Rema’s Label-Driven Team
Sean Okeke, Rema’s long-time manager, wasn’t handpicked by the artist himself. Instead, he was selected by Jonzing World, the label under which Rema rose to stardom. Prior to managing Rema, Sean worked closely with D'Prince, the label boss, making him more of a label affiliate than an independent representative of the artist.
This isn't unusual in the Nigerian music scene—labels often assign management, legal, and operational teams. However, this setup can create a conflict of interest, especially when the label’s goals don’t align with the artist’s personal vision or growth.
Burna Boy’s Family-Led Empire
In contrast, Burna Boy has run his career as a family affair. Since his early days at Aristokrat Records, he has kept his mother, Bose Ogulu, as his manager. Her expertise and fierce loyalty have guided his transition to Atlantic Records/Warner Music, where he now operates on an international level.
His sisters, Nissi and Ronami Ogulu, also play significant roles—handling creative direction, tech, and styling. This carefully curated, loyal team reflects Burna Boy’s hands-on approach to leadership and long-term planning.
So, who made the better move?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are vital lessons for every up-and-coming artist. Let’s break it down.
How to Build a Strong Team After You Get Signed or “Blow”
The moment you drop a hit or sign a record deal, everything changes—and this is when many artists stumble. Some blindly trust the label to build their team, while others assign key roles to unqualified friends. Both paths are risky.
Here’s what you actually need:
1. The Manager – Your Career’s GPS
Your manager is your first line of defense. They handle negotiations, scheduling, public relations, and day-to-day operations. But more importantly, they should always put your interests first.
The Risk: Label-assigned managers may prioritize the label over you.
The Fix: Ensure your contract allows you to change managers if things don’t work out.
Case Study: Shallipopi faced friction with his label Dapper Music because his manager was label-assigned—not artist-appointed.
Choose a manager who:
Has music business experience
Can say “no” to bad deals
Knows industry timing and strategy
Isn’t easily intimidated by record execs
2. The Lawyer – Your Silent Enforcer
A good lawyer isn’t just for lawsuits—they protect your future before problems arise. Yet many African artists don’t even know their lawyer’s name.
A competent entertainment lawyer will:
Review and negotiate your contract
Flag dangerous clauses
Ensure you retain publishing rights
Protect your royalties and splits
Tip: Your cousin who studied general law isn’t qualified to handle complex entertainment contracts. Hire a music-focused legal expert.
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3. The Road Team – Your Support System on Tour
The most talented artist can fall flat with a chaotic performance or missed show. Your road team keeps you organized, safe, and show-ready.
Must-haves:
Road manager
Tour assistant
Personal assistant
This team ensures:
You arrive on time
Events are well-coordinated
Your performance runs smoothly
You avoid overbooking and industry drama
A poorly structured road team can ruin your reputation faster than a bad song.
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Key Takeaways
Getting signed is just the beginning—not the peak.
Your team determines your longevity, leverage, and freedom.
Don’t try to “do it all” or let others do it all—be involved in your structure.
Surround yourself with loyal, competent, and experienced people.
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Final Thought: Labels Don’t Make Stars—Teams Do
Whether you're a viral freestyle king, a choir boy turned Afrobeat sensation, or a breakout street act—the moment you blow is the moment your team becomes your engine. Without the right team, fame is fleeting.
Just like Burna Boy curated a powerhouse family squad, and Rema chose to retain his label-appointed manager even after success, you too must consciously decide who will steer your career.
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Coming Up Tomorrow:
“From Label Stipend to Real Money: How to Structure Your Income as a Signed Artist”
Learn how to maximize show earnings, negotiate brand deals, and avoid being rich on Instagram but broke in reality.
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