TAKEAWAYS

• Vinka says musicians should invest outside music because the industry can be unpredictable.
• She recalled a period when she released music every month, forcing her to reinvest most of her earnings into new songs and videos.
• The singer said the COVID-19 pandemic showed artists that streaming income alone is often not enough, motivating her to diversify her investments.

Celebrated Boss Manja Vinka has opened up about the importance of building income streams outside music, saying the entertainment industry can be unpredictable and artists should not rely solely on their craft for financial stability.

Speaking to media personality Frank Ntambi in a recent interview, the singer explained that while music remains her passion, she believes it is wise for artists to invest in other ventures that can sustain them during difficult periods.

Vinka recalled a time when she released a new song every month, a strategy that required significant financial commitment. Beyond recording the music, she also had to produce a music video for each release, meaning much of the money she earned was immediately reinvested into her career.

“There’s a year when I released music every month. And that meant that I had to produce a video for each as well,” she said, highlighting how expensive it can be to consistently create and promote music.

According to the singer, relying entirely on music income can become challenging, especially when artists are constantly reinvesting in new projects to remain relevant.

She also pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a major turning point that changed her outlook on financial planning. The pandemic, which brought live performances to a halt, exposed the vulnerability of artists whose livelihoods depended almost entirely on performing.

“What happens when you can’t sing?” she questioned, reflecting on the lessons many musicians learned during that period.

While acknowledging that streaming platforms provide an additional source of income, Vinka believes the earnings are generally not enough to guarantee long-term financial security for most artists.

Because of that reality, she revealed that she has since expanded her focus beyond music by investing in other ventures, a decision she believes offers greater financial stability while allowing her to continue pursuing her music career.