Dancegod Lloyd, a prominent figure in Ghana’s dance scene, has recently shed light on the exploitative practices he faced during the nascent stages of his career. He candidly shared his experiences on the Konnected Minds podcast, detailing how established musicians often leveraged his eagerness for collaboration, effectively securing his services without proper compensation. Driven by the excitement of working alongside prominent artists, Dancegod admitted to readily agreeing to projects without negotiating payment, a naivete he now recognizes as a costly oversight. He characterized this period as a time of significant exploitation, where his passion and desire for recognition were manipulated by those in positions of power. However, he emphasized the valuable lessons learned through these difficult experiences, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s worth and maintaining a professional approach in all business dealings.
The core of Dancegod’s narrative revolves around the common tactic employed by these established artists. He described being approached with appeals to camaraderie and brotherhood, requests often framed as small favors or “one-minute things.” This carefully crafted language, combined with the allure of working with recognized names in the industry, effectively bypassed any discussion of payment. Dancegod acknowledged the intoxicating effect of collaborating with these high-profile figures, admitting that the excitement blinded him to the financial implications of his work. He viewed these collaborations as opportunities to build his name and reputation, mistakenly believing that exposure alone would translate into future success. This mindset, he admits, resulted in a period of intense creative output without commensurate financial gain, a realization that eventually forced him to re-evaluate his approach to professional engagements.
The irony of his situation was not lost on Dancegod. While he toiled away without compensation, the artists he collaborated with were reaping the rewards, enjoying increased streams, lucrative shows, and growing popularity. He pointed out the stark contrast between their success and his own financial instability, highlighting the disregard these artists displayed for his own livelihood. This observation underscored the unbalanced nature of these collaborations – while Dancegod invested his time and talent, the benefits flowed predominantly to the established artists, leaving him financially vulnerable and undervalued. This realization fueled his determination to change the dynamic and prioritize his own financial well-being.
The turning point for Dancegod came with the conscious decision to prioritize his financial security. He shifted his mindset from simply building a name to ensuring that his skills and time were appropriately compensated. This involved implementing a policy of charging for his services, a stance he recognized as essential for his own professional survival. He acknowledged that some artists might balk at the prospect of payment, but he remained resolute in his commitment to valuing his own contributions. This new approach signaled a fundamental shift in Dancegod’s professional life – a move away from exploitation and towards a business model that prioritized his own financial sustainability.
Dancegod’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring artists across various creative disciplines. It highlights the vulnerability of those starting out, eager to make a mark and often susceptible to exploitation by more established figures. His story emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s worth and the necessity of negotiating fair compensation for one’s skills and time. It also underscores the potential pitfalls of prioritizing exposure over financial stability, a trap that can leave emerging artists struggling while their collaborators flourish. Dancegod’s journey underscores the importance of establishing clear boundaries and professional practices from the outset of one’s career.
Ultimately, Dancegod Lloyd’s story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and the importance of recognizing one’s own value. His journey, though marked by initial exploitation, ultimately led to a crucial understanding of professional boundaries and the importance of demanding fair compensation. By sharing his experiences, he offers invaluable insight for aspiring artists, urging them to prioritize their own financial well-being and to avoid the trap of working for exposure alone. His story serves as a reminder that artistic passion should not come at the expense of financial security and that establishing clear professional practices is essential for long-term success in any creative field.
