JOBS FOR THE JOBLESS NIGERIANS, TWENTY THINGS MUSICIANS CAN DO TO CREATE JOBS FOR THE JOBLESS NIGERIANS OKECHUKWU CHIDOLUO VITUS

 JOBS FOR THE JOBLESS NIGERIANS, TWENTY THINGS MUSICIANS CAN DO TO CREATE JOBS FOR THE JOBLESS NIGERIANS

OKECHUKWU CHIDOLUO VITUS

Introduction

Nigeria is a country with a rapidly growing population and a struggling economy. One of the biggest challenges facing the nation is unemployment, with a significant percentage of the population being without jobs. This issue has only been exacerbated by the current global pandemic, which has led to a decline in economic activity and job losses across various industries. However, one sector that has the potential to create job opportunities for the unemployed in Nigeria is the music industry. In this paper, we will discuss the various ways in which musicians can contribute towards job creation in Nigeria.

1. Create job opportunities within their own team

Musicians can start by creating job opportunities within their own team. They can hire managers, PR specialists, road managers, and other support staff. This not only provides jobs but also helps in the growth and development of the industry.

2. Mentorship and training programs

Musicians can also create mentorship and training programs for aspiring musicians. By sharing their knowledge and experience, they can help these aspiring artists to improve their skills and increase their chances of getting employed in the industry.

3. Collaborations with local businesses

Musicians can collaborate with local businesses to promote their music. This can include using their music for advertisements or product endorsements. These collaborations can also lead to jobs for photographers, videographers, and other creatives.

4. Organize concerts and tours

Concerts and tours can provide numerous job opportunities for the jobless in Nigeria. Musicians can hire event organizers, security personnel, sound engineers, and other workers to help with the organization of these events.

5. Music production

Musicians can start their own record labels and provide opportunities for jobless individuals to work as music producers, sound engineers, and studio technicians. This will not only create jobs but also help in the development of the music industry in Nigeria.

6. Live performances

Live performances are a major source of income for musicians. By organizing more live performances, they can not only generate income, but also create job opportunities for sound technicians, lighting technicians, stagehands, and other workers.

7. Collaborate with NGOs and non-profits

Musicians can collaborate with NGOs and non-profits to raise awareness and funds for various social causes. This can also lead to job opportunities for individuals who specialize in event planning and management.

8. Online presence

Having a strong online presence can create job opportunities in areas such as social media management, content creation, and digital marketing. Musicians can use their platforms to promote the work of other jobless Nigerians and help them gain exposure.

9. Sponsorship and endorsements

Musicians can use their influence and popularity to secure sponsorship deals and endorsements from brands. This can create job opportunities for models, photographers, and other creatives involved in advertising and marketing.

10. Music education

Musicians can offer music lessons, workshops, and masterclasses to aspiring musicians. This can help in the development of skills and knowledge within the industry, leading to job opportunities for music teachers and instructors.

11. Start music schools

Musicians can also start music schools to provide formal education in music. This can create jobs for music teachers, administrators, and other support staff.

12. Use music for social change

Musicians can use their music to raise awareness and create social change. By highlighting important social issues, they can encourage their audience to take action, and in turn, create job opportunities for those working towards social change.

13. Support music festivals

Nigeria has a rich cultural heritage and music festivals are a great way to showcase this. Musicians can support and participate in these festivals, which can create jobs for performers, production teams, and vendors.

14. Urban renewal projects

Musicians can collaborate with other artists and the government to revitalize urban areas by incorporating art and music into the renewal process. This can create job opportunities for architects, designers, and other creative professionals.

15. Create a platform for upcoming artists

Musicians can use their influence and resources to create a platform for upcoming artists to showcase their talents. This can lead to job opportunities for these artists and also help in the growth and diversity of the music industry.

16. Advocate for better policies

Musicians can also use their platform to advocate for better policies and regulations that can support and promote the growth of the music industry. This can create an enabling environment for job creation in the industry.

17. Engage in philanthropic activities

Musicians can engage in philanthropic activities, such as donating to charities and supporting community development projects. This can create job opportunities for individuals working in these organizations.

18. Collaborate with international artists

Collaborations with international artists can create opportunities for Nigerian musicians to gain exposure and expand their reach. This can also lead to job opportunities for their teams, including managers, PR specialists, and tour managers.

19. Provide scholarships

Musicians can also provide scholarships to financially disadvantaged individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in music. This can create opportunities for these individuals to receive formal training and education in the industry.

20. Be role models

Lastly, musicians can be role models for the youth by proving that a career in music is a viable option. This can inspire and motivate young Nigerians to pursue their passions and potentially create job opportunities for themselves in the industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nigerian music industry has the potential to contribute significantly towards job creation in the country. Musicians can use their influence, resources, and skills to create jobs for the jobless Nigerians. By implementing the suggestions mentioned above, they can not only help in reducing the unemployment rate but also contribute to the growth and development of the music industry in Nigeria.