Award-winning Ghanaian rapper and producer E.L has warned musicians—especially emerging talents—against signing record label deals without proper knowledge, documentation, and expert guidance.
Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM’s Hitz Gallery, E.L described entering record deals without careful consideration as “savage,” urging artistes to avoid making costly mistakes.
“I wouldn’t advise anybody to sign a record deal blindly,” he said.
Drawing from personal experience, E.L revealed that a previous contract put him in a difficult situation that forced him to step away from music for a period.
“From my experience, I found myself in a situation that made me go quiet for a while because I had to untangle myself and come out safely. I realised that I had taken a bigger step by signing some things, and later it wasn’t really what I thought it would be,” he explained.
According to the rapper, inadequate documentation and lack of proper representation can create serious challenges for artistes. He stressed the importance of legal counsel and fully understanding contract terms before signing any agreement.
“It could get really sticky if you’re not careful,” he noted.
E.L also disclosed that contractual disputes once limited his creative freedom, preventing him from releasing some of the music he wanted.
He further cautioned that some individuals in the music industry prey on young, talented artistes for personal gain.
“There are sharks out there who want to trap you, exploit your music, and leave you hanging,” he warned.
E.L’s message to up-and-coming musicians is clear: protect yourself, seek expert advice, and think carefully before committing to any record label deal.
