5 things to consider when choosing a stage name

princess abumere 15:23 - 24 February 2016

You can use your real name as your stage name and if you decide to create a pseudonym name make sure no one else is using the name you want.

A stage name is important because this is what your fans will identify you by. For your music career, you can either use your real name, a nickname or a pseudonym name.

Here are five things to consider when deciding a name:

Uniqueness

With there being so many upcoming acts, it makes sense to select a unique name - something that’ll make you stand out.

We once had two Chidinma’s in the Nigerian music industry. The newer Chidinma eventually changed her name to Chee.

It’ll also be in your best interest to pick a name that is search engine friendly. If you chose a name like ‘Superman’ and I Googled you, it would be difficult to find you because the results that pop up are all about the fictional superhero.

Keep it short

Your name should be short so people can remember it.

For instance Banky W’s real name is Olubankole Wellington. Him shortening it to Banky W makes it easy for almost anyone to remember.

Meaning

There should be a story to your name. Whatever name you pick should mean something. Whenever potential fans meet you, they’ll likely ask you why you’ve chosen this name.

For instance, we all know Aituaje Iruobe as WAJE. Her name is an acronym for "Words aren’t just enough". With a voice like hers, we can agree this phrase is correct.

Branding

Your stage name will also be your brand name. Your details have to be consistent. Whatever your stage name is, it should be consistent with the name on your published material (music and videos) and if possible your website and all social media handles.

Nigerian R&B singer Timi Dakolo uses his real name as his stage name and across all his branding.

Pick a name you like

Your name should represent who you are. Try and select a name you like so you don’t have to change your name as you grow. Sean John Combs was initially known as Puff Daddy/ Puffy. Then in 2001 he changed it to P.Diddy, in 2005 he changed it again to Diddy.

Heads up: If you chose a different name so you can have an identity like Clark Kent/superman; have a 9 to 5 job and in this case have a music career, except you wear a mask like Lagbaja, no such thing can happen. This is the era of digital media, almost everything is now discoverable.

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