Artist Management Practices and Career Development of Indigenous Music Performers in Kano State

This study investigates artist management practices and their impact on the career development of indigenous music performers in Kano State, North West Nigeria. The Hausa music industry in Kano encompasses a diverse range of traditional and contemporary performers including praise singers, Dandali musicians, and modern Hausa pop artists, all navigating a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape shaped by digital distribution, television, and changing audience preferences. This research examines the roles played by personal managers, booking agents, and record labels in shaping artists' career trajectories, and assesses the extent to which formal management structures contribute to sustainable professional development. A qualitative approach is adopted, incorporating in-depth interviews with 15 professional Hausa music artists, 10 artist managers, and 5 record label executives operating in Kano. The study draws on artist management theory, entertainment business literature, and recent studies on the African music industry. Findings are expected to reveal a predominantly informal management ecosystem characterised by personal networks and limited contractual protections for artists. Recommendations will address the need for professionalised artist management training, transparent contract frameworks, and institutional support for North West music performers. Keywords: Artist management, Hausa music, career development, Kano State, music industry.