Young John: Music production industry getting better… we now receive royalties

Udomboso John Saviours, a Nigerian sound engineer better known as Young John, says he’s thrilled that producers in the country’s music industry are now getting the recognition they deserve.

The 24-year-old record producer disclosed this while speaking with Hip TV about the new found feat that sees music professionals like himself get royalties for the body of works they produce.

Although he agreed that the music production industry is largely dominated by males, John noted that the number of females also making records has witnessed a rise — with a female taking the credit for one of Drake’s 2019 project.

“It’s definitely better than it used to be, you know. Right now, we see a lot of producers getting recognition, making international records, doing big things. It definitely better now and it can only keep getting better,” he said.

“Obviously, it’s a male-dominated industry but I know a couple of females that are doing it and doing well too. There was a record this year that was quite big for Drake and was also produced by a female. I know female producers that are dope.

“On the issue of royalties, I believe that producers like myself and some of my friends are already collecting royalties. We’re making sure that the paperwork and everything is done just in case, you understand.”

Young John’s statement comes after Kel P, a producer credited for Burna Boy’s ‘African Giant’ track ‘On the Low’, won the plaque for the ‘Producer of the Year’ at the 2019 All Africa Music Award (AFRIMA) held recently in Lagos.

John is renowned for producing the acclaimed track ‘Story For The Gods’ off Olamide’s ‘Street OT’ album. He was nominated in the ‘Producer of The Year’ category at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and The Headies 2015.