MASTER OWNERSHIP IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY: WHAT EVERY ARTIST SHOULD KNOW

What Are Masters?

In the simplest terms, the “master” is the original version of a song or album, the final product after recording and mixing are complete. Whoever owns the master controls how the music is used, including decisions on where it’s streamed, sold, or licensed for commercials, movies, or TV shows.

Why Is Master Ownership So Important?

Owning the master is crucial because it dictates who gets paid when a song is played, purchased, or licensed. Whenever a song is streamed on digital platforms or played on the radio, the master owner collects a portion of the revenue

When artists own their masters, they secure long-term financial freedom. They control their creative work and ensure they receive payment for the use of their music. Conversely, without owning their masters, artists risk losing potential income, sometimes for the rest of their lives.

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Master Ownership in Amapiano: Success Stories

To understand how powerful master ownership can be, let’s look at two of Amapiano’s most successful artists: DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small.

1. DJ Maphorisa

DJ Maphorisa is well-known not just for his hit-making ability but also for his savvy business decisions. In interviews, he’s spoken about how important it is for artists to own their masters. He often collaborates with others but ensures that he retains ownership of the final product.
This strategy has paid off massively for him. As Amapiano continues to grow internationally, his music is being streamed on global platforms, featured in playlists, and licensed for
events. By owning his masters, Maphorisa is in control of how his music is used and continues to earn money every time one of his tracks is played.

2. Kabza De Small

Kabza De Small, often called the “King of Amapiano,” has built his career around creating hit after hit. His collaboration with DJ Maphorisa on projects like Scorpion Kings not only skyrocketed both of their careers but also set them up for long-term success. Kabza, like Maphorisa, understands the importance of owning masters, which means that his music will continue generating revenue for him, potentially for decades.

The Dark Side: Losing Control of Your Music

While owning masters can lead to financial freedom, losing them can result in a lack of control and missed opportunities. In the Amapiano scene, several cautionary tales highlight artists who signed unfavorable deals, losing the rights to their music.

Yanos Plug Boii’s Journey

Let’s consider the story of a young, talented Amapiano artist named Yanos Plug Boii. Starting as a producer, Yanos Plug Boii quickly gained popularity in local clubs and on social media. Impressed by his potential, a record label offered him a recording contract. Excited by the opportunity, Yanos Plug Boii signed the deal without fully understanding the terms.

The Deal: Fame at a Cost

In the contract, the label agreed to cover the costs of recording and promoting the album. In return, they would own the master recordings of all the songs. At the time, this seemed like a fair deal — Yanos Plug Boii would gain fame while the label handled the business.

However, when the album became a hit, the label began licensing the songs to various brands and streaming platforms. Despite the fame, most of the revenue went to the label. Without owning the masters, Yanos Plug Boii had limited control over how the music was used and missed out on the full financial rewards of the album’s success.

Trapped by Unfavourable Terms

Worse still, the contract gave the label control over future releases, tying Yanos Plug Boii to them for years. He was unable to reclaim ownership of his music, essentially working under unfavourable conditions with little control over his creative output.

The Danger of Not Understanding Contracts

In many cases, artists may not realize they have signed away their masters. Contracts can be filled with complex legal jargon, or artists may rush to accept the first offer they receive. This highlights the importance of working with a knowledgeable lawyer or advisor before signing any agreement.

The Long-Term Consequences

Yanos Plug Boii’s story shows the downside of not understanding the significance of master ownership. While he gained temporary fame, the long-term financial benefits went to the label, not to the artist who created the music.

How Artists Lose Their Masters

Unfortunately, many artists, especially emerging ones, sign contracts that transfer master ownership to record labels or producers. These contracts often seem attractive upfront because they offer the artist funding for recording, promotion, and distribution. But in the long run, the artist can lose out on future earnings.

The Solution: How Can Artists Protect Themselves?

Artists can protect themselves by negotiating better deals with labels or going independent. Here are a few ways they can maintain control over their music:

1. Negotiate for Joint Ownership:

If signing with a label, an artist can try to negotiate a deal where they share ownership of the masters. This way, both the artist and the label benefit from the success of the music.

2. Licensing Agreements:

Instead of selling the masters, artists can enter into licensing agreements. This means the label can use the music for a certain period or specific purposes, but the artist retains ownership of the master recordings.

3. Stay Independent:

Many artists today choose to remain independent, producing and distributing their music themselves. This requires more effort and funding, but it allows the artist to keep full control of their music and retain 100% of the profits.

Master ownership is one of the most important aspects of an artist’s career. For Amapiano artists like DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, owning their masters has provided them with control, freedom, and long-term financial security. On the other hand, artists who sign unfavourable deals can lose control over their music, limiting their earning potential and creative freedom.
For young or emerging artists, understanding the importance of master ownership and being careful about the contracts they sign can make the difference between short-term success and long-term sustainability. In the fast-evolving world of Amapiano and beyond, owning your master is key to owning your future.