Dancehall artist Teejay expresses concern that many emerging artists lack awareness of the music industry’s dynamics and global marketability. This lack of understanding, according to Teejay, contributes to the waning influence of dancehall internationally.
After signing with Warner Music, Teejay has gained prominence in the United States, performing at events like 92Q’s Winterfest and participating in a Times Square tribute for Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. Despite his current success, Teejay acknowledges the challenges he faced, particularly regarding a publishing deal that led to the unintentional relinquishment of his rights and a lack of comprehension regarding residual income from royalties.
Reflecting on his experience, Teejay decided to step back from dancehall in 2020 to educate himself about the industry. He emphasizes the importance of artists understanding their rights, especially in publishing deals, urging them not to leave the studio without signed contracts regarding ownership of masters.
Teejay credits part of his success to the strategic creation of the song “Drift,” which played a pivotal role in securing his deal with Warner. Collaborating with producer Gabbidon, Teejay aimed to craft a universally appealing song, even targeting children as an audience.
Despite initial disputes over the song’s ownership, Teejay navigated legal challenges successfully. He underscores the need for artists to be proactive in self-promotion, ensuring their music resonates globally. Teejay encourages fellow artists to focus on the future and emphasizes that dancehall represents less than 3% of the music industry’s market share. To thrive, he believes artists must invest in self-promotion and strategic planning, citing his own experience with “Drift” as a testament to the potential for success with the right approach.
