Your fans would want to see you perform the songs live, feel and vibe to your energy and passion for the song. It’s part of the total package for the brand of a musician.

This article is inspired by a gifted Nigerian female musician Kaline, who has had her fair share of experiences performing at gigs such as in Lagos.

Both old and newbie musicians can learn a thing or two about getting and preparing for shows, performing optimally on the stage, and deciding if the gig would be worth honoring.

Here are some pointers you could use.

Don't be labelled an ‘Osho free’

As a new artist on the scene, it is counted wise and strategic to take on absolutely free gigs as often as possible, but as you begin to get around a number of events, you should probably begin to charge a performance fee for an entry level artist.

At the very least, an amount to take care of your overhead costs – from things like accommodation, to transportation as the case may be. Don’t be afraid to stamp your feet for this. Get talking with experienced industry professionals on how to go about your pricing and negotiations.

Timing is everything

Be careful not to be scheduled to perform at a time when people will be less focused on what’s happening  on stage. If possible try to have your performance come at the beginning, or at the middle of the roster of performances, there are times shows may end abruptly.

More often than not the fault lies with the organisers, so if you could have a say in it, by all means do get yourself to perform early enough.

If it doesn’t go with your brand, don’t do it

Safe to say this is a no-brainer. As an artist you should know the type of gigs you take. An R&B artist probably would likely be a misfit in a place like the New Afrika Shrine where “Afrobeats” artists and those 'repping' the streets are taking center stage.

Also, any event that does not match your values as a person should probably be skipped.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the performance

Passion for your craft must come before anything else here. As a performing artist, you are to assume the role of an actor. The way you perform should be able to paint a vivid picture of  the story behind that song.

You should also try carrying along the audience by asking them to sing along on a hook, line, phrase or word in the song you perform to, for example.

Let your instincts guide you

There are  events that give you signals from the get go that they are far from organized.

From processing admission tickets haphazardly, sound check flops, organizers not seeming to have taken care  to prepare for unforeseen events like rain falling in the case of an open outdoor event, you name it.

Pay attention to your guts. You may just be better off bailing on that gig. Hopefully, your overhead costs have at least been covered by the organizers, just like point one explains.