Tales of artists being ripped off by shady producers and managers are part and parcel of the music business. Reggae being no exception.
Three years ago when she started Smart Business Solutions, Anneika Campbell was determined to combine her background in journalism and law to assist artists sift through the paperwork.
The company, which has offices in New Jersey and Kingston, Jamaica, offers services in intellectual property consultation, crisis management, reputation management, publicity, marketing and branding.
“I’m not just a regular PR person. I’m able to guide my clients on legal matters which includes ensuring management contracts are sound and licensing of songs. And how to navigate social media responsibly,” said Campbell.
A student at the University of Technology’s law faculty in Kingston, Campbell has interned with attorneys Maurice Maitland in Connecticut and Ludlow Black in New Jersey.
Their mentorship, as well as her experience at Radio Mona FM 93 and Zip FM 93 in Kingston, have helped her snare high-profile clients such as Gyptian, Charly Black, Troyton, Jah Vinci and Anju Blaxxx.
As its reputation grows, Smart Business Solutions remains a work in progress. Campbell’s lone business partner is Marsha Tulloch, with whom she attended high school in Jamaica.
Reggae artists have complained for decades of being exploited by producers, managers and show promoters. The accused usually point to inadequate knowledge of the music business and unprofessionalism on the part of Jamaican acts, in their defense.
The role of mediator is another key role for Anneika Campbell and her fledgling company.
“Legal issues are a major part of entertainment. It’s a business and they (artists, etc) should treat it as such,” she said. “They must know that certain decisions come with consequences.”
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