16/02/2025
DEAR ARTISTS
Did you know producers still have rights over a song's splitsheet after being paid?
Now, let’s get into the real discussion.
Does Paying a Producer Give You Full Ownership of a Beat?
No—unless a buyout agreement is signed.
Many artists assume that once they pay a producer, they owe them nothing more. But in reality, without a clear agreement, the producer still owns the beat and retains legal rights over it.
Do Producers Get a Share of the Song?
✅ Yes—unless a buyout is agreed upon.
When an artist pays a producer, they are typically paying for:
1. Licensing rights – Exclusive permission to use the beat while the producer retains ownership.
2. Production services – The producer creates the beat and helps arrange the song, but unless stated otherwise, they still own the beat.
This means the producer must be included in the splitsheet and is entitled to royalties—typically 2%-5% of master royalties, but it can go higher if they contribute more to the song (e.g., lyrics, melody, or sound engineering).
And if an artist ignores these rights, the producer can legally take down the song from streaming platforms.
There are producers who charge between KES 100,000 to KES 1,000,000 for beat licensing, and artists pay the full fee without argument.
However, there are some who charge below KES 100,000 due to his relationship with the artists.
This proves two things:
✅ Pricing varies by negotiation – One producer might sell their beat outright for 20K, while another licenses their beat for 100k and still retains ownership.
✅ The amount paid doesn’t determine ownership – Contracts matter more than price.
How Can Artists Avoid Conflicts With Producers?
Before working with a producer, always:
✅ Negotiate the terms – Will it be a buyout or a license?
✅ Sign a clear agreement – A verbal agreement holds weight only if there's solid evidence or a reliable witness.
✅
