A promoter calls. The fee is agreed on the phone, cash on the night, and you turn down another booking to keep the date free. Two days before the show, he cancels, and you get nothing. From Takoradi to Mombasa to Durban, too many music deals are still sealed with "we're family" or "we go way back", right up until money or a cancelled show puts them to the test.
A contract is simply a promise you can enforce. It records who does what, who owns what, who gets paid what, and what happens if someone does not keep their side. It protects you, not just labels and promoters. For a show, even a one-page performance agreement can cover the fee, a 50% deposit due two weeks before the date, and your right to keep that deposit if the promoter cancels late. Writing it down while everyone is happy helps ensure everyone stays happy.
This week, list every agreement you are working under, written or verbal. For each verbal one, write down what you believe you agreed to and email or message it to the other person, asking them to confirm. Music Contracts 101 shows you what every contract should contain and how to make sure it works for you. Take the course on Crux Global Academy: cruxmusic.global/academycrux.
