Professional saxophonist and creative entrepreneur, Bello Nifemi, has urged musicians and instrumentalists to look beyond talent and develop strong business, branding and negotiation skills to build sustainable careers in the creative industry.
Speaking on Trade FM, Nifemi, who has spent 12 years as a professional saxophonist, said musicians must understand their value, study the needs of prospective clients and set fees that reflect the quality of their craft. He said his experience taught him that many talented musicians underprice themselves because they lack adequate exposure and knowledge of the business side of the industry. Nifemi also stressed the importance of professional appearance and a well-structured social media presence, noting that clients and event planners often assess a musician’s brand before engaging their services.
He advised musicians to identify their niche, invest in their personal brands and use digital platforms to attract their target clientele. According to him, instrumentalists should not limit themselves to playing in bands or backing established artistes, but should explore opportunities in corporate events, weddings, hotels, concerts and other entertainment platforms. He added that good branding can influence how musicians are perceived and, consequently, the fees they can command.
Nifemi also highlighted networking, referrals and professional conduct as important tools for converting one-off engagements into long-term business relationships. He advised musicians to deliver quality service regardless of the fee, maintain good communication with clients and event planners, and conduct themselves professionally at events, saying bad behaviour can damage future opportunities.
On his own career, Nifemi said he is working towards building a dedicated gospel music entertainment team and developing a distinct niche under the Nifes Sax Music brand. He expressed an ambition to take the brand to the global stage while combining his passion for music with his goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
The saxophonist, who studied Economics and Business Administration, said his academic background has helped him understand the commercial side of music. He advised aspiring saxophonists to prepare for the financial demands of the profession, remain consistent with practice, seek mentorship where possible and, most importantly, have genuine passion for the instrument, warning that the journey requires significant time, energy and resources.
