Popular Nigerian music executive and talent manager, Ubi Franklin, has shed light on a controversial clause in his recording contracts, a restriction that prevents his female artistes from getting pregnant during the duration of their agreement.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Culture Sonic podcast, Franklin revealed that the “no pregnancy” clause is a deliberate move to protect the career trajectory of female artistes under his management. According to him, pregnancy often disrupts a budding artiste’s momentum and can significantly delay or even derail their rise to stardom.
Franklin, who is the founder and CEO of Made Men Music Group (Triple MG), said he decided after witnessing firsthand how the music industry can be unforgiving, especially towards women who choose to start families early in their careers.
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The entertainment entrepreneur emphasised that while he is not against women having children, he believes that such a major life event should come after they have established themselves in the competitive music industry.
“So just imagine that you’re investing in a female artiste and she gets pregnant. That is over because it would take a lot for her to come back,” Franklin stated during the podcast.
He further explained that the clause is not meant to discriminate, but rather to help young female artistes stay focused and build a solid foundation before taking on the responsibilities of motherhood.
Female faces more pressure, says Franklin
He argued that, unlike their male counterparts, female artistes often face more pressure and career setbacks when balancing pregnancy and the demands of showbiz.
“I’m not saying they can’t have children, but first build a strong career,” he clarified. “If I am signing a female artiste, I always put it in the contract that they will not get pregnant for the duration of the contract.”
Franklin’s comments have sparked a debate online, with some social media users and entertainment observers calling his approach practical, while others say it raises questions about gender equality and reproductive rights in the music industry.
Supporters of Franklin’s stance argue that the entertainment business, particularly in Africa, places enormous pressure on artistes to stay relevant, with little room for long breaks or personal interruptions.
For female artistes who are still trying to find their footing, they say, a pregnancy could make it nearly impossible to maintain the same energy, visibility, and brand appeal needed to break through.
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Others, however, find the clause problematic, claiming it infringes on a woman’s freedom. Critics argue that the music industry should be evolving toward more inclusive and supportive environments, especially for women, rather than imposing rules that may seem unfair or controlling.
A Lagos-based entertainment lawyer who spoke anonymously said such clauses are not uncommon in the industry, but they can be legally sensitive.
“While a label has the right to protect its investment, it must also respect the artiste’s human rights. A no-pregnancy clause may be enforceable in some contracts, but it could also be challenged if the artiste believes it violates their rights,” the lawyer noted.
This is not the first time Ubi Franklin has stirred conversation with his views on the music business. Known for helping launch the careers of stars like Tekno and Iyanya, he has remained vocal about the challenges that come with managing talent in Nigeria’s fast-paced entertainment landscape.
Despite the backlash, Franklin appears confident in his approach, maintaining that his goal is to build successful female artistes who can later choose when to start a family, without sacrificing their careers.
“It’s a hard truth, but that’s the reality of the business. You can only fight what you understand, and right now, the industry doesn’t make it easy for women who leave and want to come back,” he said.
As the conversation continues, the spotlight is once again on the music industry’s handling of gender dynamics and how artistes, especially women, can be better supported without losing their freedom of choice.
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