THEY SAID 'SIGN HERE' I SAID 'WAIT.'

Over the past few years, I’ve had the rare privilege of representing music artists and reviewing their contracts before they signed. In more than a few cases, that single act was the saving grace in what could have become a lifetime of regret.

I was rushing to share this mail with you that I forgot to ask how you are. Forgive me. How are you?

It’s overwhelming, really how many issues within the intellectual property space have led to lifelong enmity, creative slavery, and even emotional breakdowns. People have become so desperate or lazy that they sign all kinds of rubbish, then show up at our doors years later asking if we can undo what’s already binding.

Some of these so-called contracts weren’t even drafted by lawyers.

I once had a client narrowly escape a 360 deal. After some digging, I found out the contract had been drafted by the label’s secretary. No legal background. No license. But here’s the scariest part: if my client had signed that paper, it would have been legally binding.

So from someone who practices law particularly in media and entertainment, here’s my honest advice: don’t rush to sign any contract, no matter how exciting or “harmless” it looks. Even if it is your cousin, your favourite niece, or someone you deeply love saying, “Just sign here,” ask for time to review it carefully.

When I was selected for the Nigerian Idol Season 6 Academy, they gave us contracts and asked us to sign on the spot. I need to say very clearly before I continue this story that I don’t think the company in charge was aware of how that went down. What I’m sharing here is just my personal observation.

So, back to that moment. This lady handed me four sheets of paper and said, “Sign here. I’m waiting.” I looked at her and smiled. Everyone around me was signing fast. All I could say to myself was, “Ah! These guys are wild oh. Do they even know what they are signing?” Then I leaned over to the guy sitting beside me and whispered, “Oboy, read everything. Take your time. If you don’t understand anything, let me know. I’m a lawyer.” He smiled and gave me a thumbs up.

The lady repeated, “Sir, I’m still waiting.” I calmly told her I wasn’t going to be rushed. I’d sign when I understood what I was signing. I promised her one thing, I’d be fast, but not in a hurry.

I went through every line, carefully. Thankfully, the terms were mostly about confidentiality, granting them the right to use our image and likeness, and not claiming ownership over any materials used during or for promotion of the show. I explained it to the guy beside me and told him to only sign if he was comfortable with what I’d broken down.

That moment reminded me how many people just sign without even a second look. I started thinking how can I help more people pause before they sign? Maybe the least I can do is help filter the fine print and point out what you should question in any contract that has to do with your intellectual property.

These are real clauses you’ll see in creative contracts especially in music, film, and media. And here’s a simple breakdown of what they mean:

"in perpetuity throughout the universe"
If it says this, it means forever and everywhere. You’re giving away your rights with no expiry date. Don’t do that unless the price justifies never touching that work again.

"work made for hire"
This is legal-speak for “we own everything, you own nothing.” If that’s not the intention, remove it or revise it. You can license your work without giving it away.

"exclusive, irrevocable, and worldwide"
That’s a big one. Ask: For how long? In what formats? For what territories? Don’t give someone all your power without knowing what they plan to do with it.

"royalties to be determined by the company"
That’s a trick. You shouldn’t sign anything where they alone decide how much you’ll earn. Percentages should be clearly stated on what, when, and how.

"the artist waives any and all rights to inspect or audit the company’s records"
Nah. If they’re handling your money, you deserve to see the books. Even once a year. If they say no, that’s a red flag.

"waives all moral rights, including the right to be identified as the author"
Basically, they can do whatever they like with your work, even remove your name. Unless you are truly okay with that, don’t sign it.

"including all existing and future works and ideas developed during the term"
This means they want anything you think of while under contract. That’s wild. Lock it down to just the specific work they’re paying for.

"rights granted herein shall not revert to the artist under any circumstance"
So if they sit on your work and do nothing, you can’t get it back. That’s unfair. Always ask for reversion after a reasonable period of inactivity.

"the company may terminate this agreement at any time without notice or penalty"
This means they can drop you anytime, but you’re still locked in. If it’s not mutual, it is not safe.

"this agreement may be assigned to any third party without the artist’s consent"
So they can sell your deal to someone you’ve never met? Nope. Insist on being notified or asked before your contract changes hands.

There are many more but let’s stop here for now.

MY GOLDEN ADVICE
Never be so desperate to be heard that you sign away the right to own your voice.

Fame fades, rends change, but ownership of your music, film, words, or ideas can feed you, free you, and fund your future long after the applause is gone.

Read every contract. Get a lawyer to go through it with you. Question everything. If it feels unfair, it probably is.
Protect your art like it is land because it is.