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To start with, a manager is someone who is responsible for controlling or administering an organization or group of staff. There are different categories of managers but in our domain of Showbiz, we will be looking at the Public Relations Manager. A PR manager is someone who creates and maintains a favourable public image for their employer or clients by communicating programs, accomplishments and or points of view.

In a general sense, most upcoming artists often see no need of having a manager. They feel like it’s a total waste of money and they can handle their transactions but upon reading this article, if you are one of such artist you will have to change that mentality because the bigger you become as a musician the tighter your schedule becomes. On the other hand, most people decide to become artist manager without even knowing the clear cut definition of their work load. But today, we bring you the dynamic role of an artist Manager.

What do Artist Managers do?
An Artist Manager works on behalf of groups or artists to promote the artists’ careers and run their business affairs. Their job is to secure the best work for their clients, for the best fee. The job may include: negotiating contracts and fees, finding and booking events and venues that match the artist’s career strategy, advising on career decisions, publicity and promotion.Also, helping them on career decisions such as which record producer to work with, or which songs to perform, and managing media relations on their behalf.

In Cameroon, most artist managers take on the role of tour or road manager, these individuals traditionally take care of the logistics while the artist is on tour. Duties include making sure that everything is provided for as agreed upon, following up on items promised as part of the contract such as accommodation, payments, tour routing and communications with the person who booked the artist.A good example of an artist manager in Cameroon is, Prince Enobi Mykel, he has worked with so many upcoming and established artists like; Rythmz,Daphne Njie, Blanche Bailly,Ko-C and now he is currently managing the Xmaleya Music Group.

The Artist Manager’s work is very competitive and can be intense and sometimes stressful with long hours. Artist Managers are frequently required to attend their artists’ performances in the evening or over weekends.

Most Artist Managers advance by building a strong reputation for good client services and attracting more top performers onto their books. Artist Managers’ salaries are often dependent on the work they secure for their clients, for example they may keep between 10 percent and 25 percent of the overall fee.

Some Managers start their career by managing the careers of friends. Others start off as entertainers themselves and gain knowledge by promoting their own talents and some start by gaining a junior job in a record company and work their way up to the role of Manager.

Artist Managers may represent a roster of artists, and cultivate relationships with music industry decision-makers on their behalf. They will negotiate deals, and support and guide their clients’ careers.

A good artist managers must keep up to date with what’s happening in the industry and they will spend a lot of time establishing and maintaining relationships, using contacts to source work for their clients. They will also promote their clients’ work and will often be involved in liaison during the music recording process. They may also organise and negotiate contracts for releases and publishing and they communicate with the press.

Industry experience and knowledge is the key to becoming an Artist Manager; No specific qualifications are required but a business background is useful especially in sales. The main qualification is a sound knowledge of the music business and current trends and the ability to develop and maintain a range of industry contacts, requiring good judgement, which is acquired through experience of working in the role.

So if you’ve ever dreamt of becoming a successful artist someday, have in mind that you will need a qualified and experienced manager to get your career booming.

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