Ghanaian vocalist and songwriter Ethel Esi Eshun, widely recognised by her stage name Queen eShun, has advised rising musicians to steer their own careers instead of committing to record labels, warning that certain agreements can become “death traps” that deprive artistes of their independence.

During an interview on Starr Showbiz with Feeling Daddy on Starr 103.5 FM on Saturday, February 28, Queen eShun recounted her journey and outlined why handling her own management turned out to be the wiser choice.

“I realised that managers are looking at their interests, and sometimes that can affect you even more,” she said. “These contracts are death traps. They trap you for a long time. They take your freedom. It kind of stops you from singing for a while. You can’t even release your songs. It’s a whole mess.”

She noted that although working with managers or distribution firms can offer support, musicians must carefully review and understand the details of any contract before committing. “If you do get a contract, have a lawyer look through it. If they think it’s a great deal, then go ahead. But usually, there are hidden clauses that you overlook, and at the moment you sign, it traps you.”

Looking back on her path, the artiste disclosed that following a break from music to focus on her education, she returned under the name “Queenie Shawn Music,” running her brand independently and overseeing her own operations. “It’s better for you to do something on your own. You get your team on board, but it’s still your thing. It makes the job easier and gives you peace of mind,” she said.

She further indicated that differences can arise when a manager’s priorities do not align with the creative goals of the artiste, often resulting in disagreements about image, sound, or direction.

“If you don’t get a team that understands you, your brand, your style, your goal, your voice, your power, it will mess you up,” she cautioned.

Her remarks serve as guidance for up-and-coming performers to scrutinise management and recording deals thoroughly, safeguard their artistic liberty, and remain firmly in control of their careers.

Ghanaian musician Moliy has expressed her contentment of remaining independent of any record label.

She cited record labels' restraints on her creativity, issues of trust, as well as hearsay about artists and the challenges that come with being signed to a label.

Her remarks was in response to a feature of discussion about her career as an independent artiste since her debut in 2020.

For the sake of creative freedom Moliy says she doesn't want to be a part of any record label. She said

“Yeah. I’ve always been kind of hesitant to be a label artist because I’ve just heard so many stories.“I don’t just wanna be a name on a list. Music is very personal to me.

“So, I think if I did get locked in with a label, I hope it’s something that could be a real, long-lasting, organic relationship.

“The most freeing part is just getting to do what I want creatively without someone telling me what to do. I don’t like being told what to do" she shared during an interview on July 7 with Revolt TV.

She said " I always feel like the people I work with, I want to trust them. I want it to feel organic".

Though she has seen significant success with her songs hitting millions on boardsin UK and other streaming platforms, her independent journey hasn't been without challenges.

She struggled with getting her music distributed effectively without the backing of a record label:she had to navigate distribution hurdles on her own.

“I realized at some point, I was actively seeking [distribution]. I hadn’t released music for a whole year in 2024, and me and my manager were trying to get a [distribution deal] so I could put out music.

The conversations were sounding positive, but nothing was actually happening. I remember thinking,(sic)I still wanna move. I don’t wanna be stagnant,’” she said.

It was at this point that she realised that "also, if you’re not pushing yourself, if you’re not putting your foot on the gas, no one is gonna do it for you. That’s what I love the most”

Meanwhile, her journey as an independent artiste has proven quite successful with the awards she's won and success of her releases over the years.

In June 2022 she was named Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador.She also featured on MTV Base, 3Music TV, and Revolt TV and was later nominated for Ghana Music Awards and honored as BET Amplified Artist of the Month.