Toks Asher Young has lamented at the lackadaisical attitude of some artistes after receiving payment for a performance. He made this known recently in a chat with our reporter while reacting to the recent trend among artistes whereby they accept fees for a show or event and end up coming late or giving a lackluster performance.
Toks said the lack of professionalism among this breed of young artistes was worrying and giving the music and entertainment Industry a bad name. “Some of these young artistes are totally unprofessional, especially when it comes to shows, performances and interviews,” he said.
He went further to state that sometimes when an artiste or his/her management collect their fees, they start exhibiting a nonchalant attitude as if they are doing the client/show promoter or event planner a favour. They conveniently forget it’s a career and it means that as a professional when you are paid or contracted to do a job you give your all and make sure you do a good job of it.
Toks reiterated that some clients, show promoters and event planners are also culpable as they are not better than these artistes. He went on to say that a lot of artistes feel because they are in the spotlight and getting all the attention, they are allowed to mess up or be unprofessional at any time and are quick to forget that just as easily as you are on top today, tomorrow you could be struggling to be remembered.
“The toughest thing isn’t getting to the top but staying there and being relevant. Talent is just one part of the success story for an artiste, hard work and professionalism is what keeps you relevant and in the limelight for a long time” he said. He continued by saying; being a professional is doing everything at the right or scheduled time and not at one’s own whims and caprices. It also means that sometimes even when it is not going your way or you are not operating at a 100% the show must go on.
Mr Young said that as a professional who has decided to choose a career path in music, entertainment or the performing arts, it is imperative to always keep to time and do things accordingly and on schedule.
“The greatest artistes we know are all perfectionists and sticklers to protocol and timing.” “My goal is to impart knowledge to upcoming artistes and their managers,” Young said. He explained that being a professional simply means doing everything at the scheduled/right time in keeping with your contractual agreement. He reminded artistes that nothing endears an artiste or performer to clients and fans like punctuality and a great performance. He finally enjoined them to be professionals at all times by always doing the right thing at the right time.
Tochukwu Umezulike better known as Toks Asher Young, is a published author, music business consultant, talent manger, philanthropist and ECOWAS Youth Ambassador. He is also a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity.