Talent manager and Swangz Avenue co-founder Julius Kyazze has responded to claims that record labels are notorious for exploiting artists.
Over the years, the music industry has witnessed several artists parting ways with record labels under bitter circumstances. Many have accused labels of imposing unfair contract terms that result in artists losing ownership of their music copyrights or even rights to their stage names.
In a recent interview, Kyazze argued that record labels across the globe have faced financial uncertainty when signing artists. He reported that they registered a not more than 5% success rate despite the heavy investment they put in their careers.
Kyazze expressed disappointment with artists who publicly criticize record labels after falling out with them. He noted that labels invest heavily in musicians with the expectation of building mutually beneficial partnerships.
“Labels take a gamble on hundreds of artists, hoping some will succeed, but many of those investments never pay off. It’s business: as a musician, you may not have the resources to promote your music, market yourself, or reach new audiences. Then someone comes in, invests in your career, and later you turn around and call labels thieves. If that’s the case, you can keep your music to yourself, listen to it in your car, and remain small,” he added.
Kyazze described the relationship between artists and record labels as a partnership meant to give artists the exposure, personal growth, and push them to markets they couldn’t reach on their own.
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He emphasized that artists are not forced to sign with any label and should understand that record companies invest with the intention of making a return on their investment.
