COMMERCIALIZE YOUR VOICE TO MAKE MONEY
17. FILM SOUNDTRACK
Tope Alabi’s voice began to feature prominently in home videos in the mid-90s—and look at where she is today. Her rise to fame was significantly fueled by her contributions to Yoruba movie soundtracks, which resonated deeply with audiences.
In 2004, I produced the montage for the award-winning breakfast show Owurolawa on Lagos Television completely free of charge—and see what Sweet Melody has become today. As of this year, the music used for that montage has been airing for 20 consecutive years.
The program is broadcast every weekday morning (Monday to Friday). To my knowledge, no other musician in this country has enjoyed such uninterrupted national airplay for this length of time.
It may seem ordinary to some, but I know how many millionaires have connected with me through this program.
Lesson: Move closer to filmmakers and offer them your soundtracks free of charge. It may seem like a small gesture, but before you know it, your work could be gaining massive attention and opening doors for you.
Learn from popular movie soundtracks to help define your own musical style. For instance, a musician contributed a song to the film Igi Aruwe—and that soundtrack launched him into the limelight, thanks to the film’s widespread acceptance.
People who buy the film may fall in love with your music just by hearing it in the background.
Be creative and professional in your composition. You can connect with filmmakers through social media and by studying their past and present movie projects.
Many people have risen through this path. Remember Celine Dion and Titanic? Her song My Heart Will Go On became a global hit, topping charts worldwide. It won her an Academy Award, multiple Grammy Awards, and earned her eternal respect.
18. ADVERT JINGLE
Start producing advertisement jingles for companies. Study their products and services, then create a catchy sample jingle—possibly even as a playlet or short skit.
Target both small and large-scale companies. Offer them high-quality, dynamic jingles that promote their brand effectively.
Don’t wait for companies to request jingles—take the initiative and present it to them first.
Remember: God detests idleness. The more companies you approach, the more likely you are to unlock great opportunities.
19. NATIONAL PROJECT
Write and compose songs for national celebrations like Independence Day. Then take your song, along with an official letter, to the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
(You may contact us for details on how to go about this idea.)
The better your composition, the greater your chances of open doors and opportunities.
Also, consider writing songs on civic topics such as taxation, and submit them to government agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). Your creativity could be your gateway to national recognition.
20. EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There’s a lucrative opportunity in creating educational content—like rhymes and poetry—for schoolchildren. If done well, these can earn you consistent income.
Develop creative and meaningful rhymes or audio materials, then submit them with a formal cover letter to the Ministry of Education for review and potential use in public or private schools.
21. STUDIO SESSION VOCALISTS
Did you know you can offer your services as a backup singer or session vocalist in various studios?
Drop your contact details at recording studios across your state. Musicians and producers looking for good vocalists may reach out, and once your talent is discovered, you’ve opened a financial door.
Additionally, register as a freelance vocalist or music professional on platforms like:
This way, you can attract both local and international clients.
22. POLITICAL JINGLE
Compose jingles for political parties or aspirants during election seasons. You don’t need to be officially affiliated with any party—what matters is the quality of your composition.
A well-produced, one-minute political jingle can fetch you significant payment and exposure.
Tip: Be proactive. Identify aspirants or party representatives and present your work to them directly. If your jingle is solid, they will likely use it—and pay for it.