“I see a lot of fans coming at people like Davido just because he openly admits to using songwriters and giving them credit. An artist who acknowledges using songwriters is confident, not talentless.
Many of your favorite artists use songwriters too—they just hide it to maintain their steeze. It takes real talent to take a song written by someone else and make it sound amazing.
In fact, 90% of established artists use songwriters or buy songs from up-and-coming talents.” — Don Jazzy
Tems uses songwriters, Rema uses songwriters, Drake uses songwriters, and Wizkid used over 20 songwriters on Morayo, according to Spotify.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
The Art of Collaboration: Embracing Songwriting in the Music Industry
In recent discussions surrounding the music industry, a notable topic has emerged: the use of songwriters by prominent artists. Renowned Nigerian music producer and artist Don Jazzy recently addressed this issue, emphasizing that artists who openly acknowledge their collaboration with songwriters should not be criticized, but rather celebrated for their confidence and creativity.
Jazzy pointed out that many fans tend to criticize artists like Davido for admitting to using songwriters, perceiving it as a lack of talent. However, he argues that this perspective is misguided. “An artist who acknowledges using songwriters is confident, not talentless,” he stated. In fact, he highlighted that a significant number of beloved artists also rely on songwriters but choose to keep this information under wraps to maintain their image.
The reality is that the modern music landscape thrives on collaboration. Jazzy noted that approximately 90% of established artists utilize songwriters or purchase songs from emerging talents. This practice is not only common but also a testament to the collaborative nature of the industry. It takes a unique skill set to take a song crafted by someone else and transform it into a hit, showcasing the artist’s ability to interpret and deliver the material effectively.
Prominent artists such as Tems, Rema, and even global superstar Drake have been known to work with songwriters. Additionally, it has been reported that Wizkid collaborated with over 20 songwriters for his track “Morayo,” according to Spotify. This further underscores the point that collaboration is a vital part of the creative process in music.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with artists utilizing songwriters. In fact, it can enhance the quality of music produced and provide opportunities for emerging songwriters to gain recognition in the industry. Rather than stigmatizing artists for their collaborative efforts, fans should appreciate the artistry involved in bringing a song to life, regardless of who penned the lyrics.
In conclusion, the use of songwriters is a prevalent and accepted practice in the music industry. It reflects a collaborative spirit that ultimately contributes to the richness and diversity of the music we enjoy. As listeners, embracing this aspect of artistry can lead to a deeper appreciation of the creative process behind our favorite songs.