Maleek Berry is one of the UK and Africa’s rising music super producers. He has produced for Africa’s biggest music stars such as Wizkid (The Matter), Wande Coal (Baby Hello), Davido (Carolina), Sinzu (Carolina), Iyanya (Finito), the UK’s Fuse ODG (Ye Play) and America’s Wale (Allelu).
He is currently signed to Wizkid’s Starboy Entertainment record label. He joins host Ms. Uduak on the 40th episode of The Africa Music Law Show to discuss the business of music production, his personal background, breaking into the music industry and much more. It’s a must listen and must share interview with great insights for artists, producers and entrepreneurs.
The Africa Music Law show is the premiere music business and entertainment law show empowering the African artist, and the creative industry at large. The show made iTunes Top 4 in its ‘New & Noteworthy’ category in 2014. Countries represented are Nigeria (26%), USA (23%), UK (15%), UAE (7%), and Other (29%).
On how music producers work in Nigeria: I am not going to talk bad about the industry. But one thing I will say is that the industry is not built for producers at all, it is built against us. For example, a producer from Maryland in Lagos wants to produce for an artists like Wizkid, Davido or anybody. Maybe they pay 250k…the producer does that, they get paid and that’s it. There is no backend. The artists goes off and does 101 shows and gets paid but thy have only had to pay 250,000Naira for a beat.
On his relationship with Davido: We are cool. We are good. When the whole situation happened with him and Wizkid, when they weren’t really talking. I just really tried to maintain neutral and I just didn’t get involved. Obviously now they are cool. I hate drama. I am just the opposite kind of person and I just don’t want to get involved in anything like that.
Advice to artists: The fame is cool. But get into the music, learn an instrument that is going to set you apart from everyone else. Believe in yourself, be prayerful, stay away from trying to fill gaps with things like drugs. When people say, “man I need to get high to make a hit,” NO! It’s inside you. Everything you need is inside you.
Advice to Producers: Producers we are all artists. Embrace your talent. Don’t hide it. Don’t waste it. Don’t sit on it and brand yourself. That is the way producers are going to be able to survive in this industry. Build face value.
