08/04/2025
BIGGEST REGRETS OF INDEPENDENT ARTISTS:
Don’t Let Your Hit Song Earn Millions; While You Get Nothing
Imagine pouring your heart into a song, watching it blow up years later, and then realizing you can’t collect the millions it’s earning, all because you didn’t have the right structure in place.
This isn’t just a hypothetical situation; it’s a lesson from Skales’ journey with “Shake Body,” a track that, ten years after its 2014 release, became a global sensation again.
Here’s why every independent artist needs to pay attention.
Skales’ “Shake Body”: A Viral Resurgence
Released in 2014, “Shake Body” was already a hit in Nigeria and across Africa. But fast forward to 2024, and the song exploded anew, thanks to a viral TikTok moment.
FC Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, danced to it, sparking millions of views almost overnight. The numbers were staggering: tens of millions of naira racked up in a single day, with the track soaring to No. 1 in Spain, among other incredible feats.
A decade-old song turned into a goldmine.
But here’s the kicker: What if Skales didn’t have a system to capture that revenue, especially from an international market like Spain? All that success, views, streams, and chart-topping glory could’ve slipped through his fingers, leaving him with nothing but regret.
The Cost of No Structure
For independent artists, not having a proper royalty collection setup is like hitting the jackpot and losing the ticket. “Shake Body” highlights the stakes:
- ⭐ Streaming and Sales: Mechanical royalties from platforms like Spotify or Apple Music.
- ⭐ Radio and TV Plays: Performance royalties from airtime.
- ⭐ Viral Videos and Ads: Synchronization royalties from media use.
Each of these revenue streams involves different collecting bodies. Without registering and tracking your music properly, you’re blind to where your earnings are going. Imagine “Shake Body” topping Spain’s charts, but the revenue stayed in Spain because Skales wasn’t set up to claim it. That’s millions lost.
Why It’s Urgent
Success can strike anytime, just look at “Shake Body.” A footballer’s dance turned a ten-year-old track into a global hit. Your song could be next, but if you’re not prepared, you’ll miss out.
Common mistakes like not signing up, failing to track usage, or underestimating the system’s complexity can cost you everything.
Don’t Let This Be You
Picture this: Your track goes viral, hits No. 1 in Spain, and pulls in tens of millions of naira in a day. But without the right structure, you’re locked out of the cash.
Peers who set up properly are banking millions while you’re left wondering what went wrong. That’s the regret Skales could’ve faced and it’s one you can avoid.
Act Now
Don’t wait for your “Shake Body” moment to realize you’re unprepared. Build your royalty structure, or risk watching your millions vanish tomorrow.
✍🏽 John, Esq.
🅱ARRODDY 🅰DVISORY
ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛɪɴɢ ᴛᴀʟᴇɴᴛꜱ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ꜱʜᴀᴅʏ ᴅᴇᴀʟꜱ