Cobhams Asuquo reveals decision to charge in foreign currency

Cobhams Asuquo recalls a key moment from his early career that shaped his path to success as a renowned Nigerian music producer and songwriter.

In an exclusive interview with Pulse TV, the multi-talented artist revealed how he made a game-changing decision in 2005 to charge his clients in foreign currency, specifically U.S. dollars.

At the time, Cobhams was only 24 years old, yet he made a bold and confident move that few others in his field had considered.

He began pegging his fees to the dollar, a decision driven by both a recognition of the value of his work and a desire for financial stability in an unpredictable economy.

Pioneering move in the industry

Cobhams candidly discussed how he felt compelled to make the shift to dollars. “I am one of the few producers who started charging in a different currency for the purpose of stability,” he shared.

The move, which was largely ahead of its time, was driven by his realization that charging in a more stable currency would protect his earnings from the fluctuating value of the Nigerian naira.

Reflecting on his decision, Cobhams stated, “As far back as 2005, I began to peg my charges in dollars because I felt it was a stable thing to do. I was obviously getting signed and getting things going, and I needed to be able to transact in that space.”

At that point in his career, Cobhams was emerging as a promising figure in the Nigerian music scene, but he had yet to fully realize his potential.

His decision to adopt the dollar-based pricing model not only showcased his foresight but also positioned him as a forward-thinking professional in a rapidly changing industry.

Nigerian Songwriter and Producer Cobhams Asuquo. [Photo Credit: Google]

A visionary at 24

As he continued to recount his journey, Cobhams noted that his decision was, in many ways, pioneering. At the time, few, if any, music producers were charging in foreign currency, let alone the U.S. dollar.

His bold move to go against the norm set him apart from his peers, establishing him as someone with a clear vision of his worth and the future of the music business.

“I hear music producers charge now in dollars, and I say to myself, I started doing this in 2005 when I was just 24,” he reflected. “I didn’t know anybody else who was doing that at the time.”

Looking back, Cobhams recognizes how instrumental that decision was in shaping his career. He credits his early realization of his own worth as the driving force behind the decision. “That’s me waking up to the value of my work,” he said with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

For Cobhams, understanding his worth was more than just about financial compensation. It was a reflection of his confidence in his craft, his ability to deliver high-quality work, and his desire to thrive in a competitive industry.

Commitment to excellence

Despite his success, Cobhams remains humble about the quality of his work. In the same interview, he emphasized that while he always strives to do his best, he does not promise perfection. “Till tomorrow, I cannot promise that what I will give you is the best in the world,” he explained. “But it’s the best I can give you—and it is very well close to the best in the world.”

This humility, combined with his unwavering dedication to his craft, has earned Cobhams a respected place in the Nigerian music industry.

His commitment to excellence is evident in his work, which spans across music production, songwriting, and artist development.

Cobhams Asuquo’s journey serves as a testament to the importance of believing in oneself and making bold decisions in the face of uncertainty.

His early recognition of the value of his work helped him build a foundation for success that continues to inspire new generations of music producers and artists.