From A Producer To A Global Superstar

Dayo flipped through the pages of the contract slowly, scanning every line.

When he got to the end, he nodded in approval.

"Very good," he said quietly.

He leaned back on the chair, still holding the document. The way Lois had left the label still stung, but it had also opened his eyes. It wasn't just about music anymore — it was business.

He wasn't going to leave any loophole for anyone to exploit again.

"This one," he said, looking at Valery and Wayne, "covers everything. No surprises this time. If they want to leave, fine — but not without notice. No more last-minute drama."

Wayne chuckled. "You're learning fast, boss."

Dayo gave a small smile. "I had a good teacher," he said, glancing at Valery.

She smiled and nodded. "Alright then. Let's move."

The three of them walked into the meeting room.

Four artists were seated around a long table — three male, one female. They stood up slightly as Dayo entered, then sat back down.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Dayo said as he sat. "I'm sure you've all been informed about what today is about."

They nodded.

"Good," he continued. "So here's the thing — we're re-signing contracts. And before you say anything, let me explain why."

He paused for a moment, then continued calmly.

"I'm sure you all saw what happened with Lois. You also saw the album we released for her — it's still doing well on the Billboard charts, sitting somewhere around number twenty-six or thirty-three, even after weeks. That tells you the kind of work we put in here."

The artists nodded, quietly listening.

"I have songs like that in my catalogue," Dayo said, tapping the table lightly. "Songs that can take you to that level — or higher. But I can't give my time and effort if I'm not sure you'll stay. This new contract isn't to trap anyone, it's to protect what we build together."

He looked around at their faces.

"If at any point you want to leave, that's fine. You just need to give me at least a month's notice before you do. That's fair. But as long as you're here, I'll make sure you grow. You'll get the best songs, the best production, and the full support of JD Record Label."

The room was quiet for a moment. Then Dayo gestured toward the folder Valery was holding.

"Here are the contracts. Take your time to read them. No rush. Decide if you want to sign or not."

He stood up slowly, placing both hands on the table. "I just wanted you to understand why I'm doing this. It's not about control — it's about commitment."

He looked at each of them again, his voice steady. "We've worked too hard to build something strong. Let's keep it that way."

He nodded to Valery and Wayne. "Alright. Let's get started."

The room went quiet as the artists reached for the contract papers.

Dayo leaned back in his seat, watching their faces as they began to read.

There were four of them:

Leo, tall and calm, always thoughtful before speaking.

Marcus, the outspoken one who always had an opinion.

Trent, quiet and serious, usually kept to himself.

And Rhea, the only lady among them — confident, focused, and ambitious.

They all flipped through the pages. The room stayed silent except for the sound of paper turning.

After about five minutes, Rhea looked up. "I'm ready to sign," she said simply.

Wayne blinked. "Already?"

She nodded. "Yes. I've read it. It's clear enough. And I don't see any problem."

Dayo raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that? You can take more time if you want."

Rhea smiled a little. "No need. I know what I want. Since I came to this label, I've been treated with respect. You all believed in me when no one else did. And I've seen what happened with Lois — how fast she grew, the exposure, the songs, the support. That tells me everything I need to know."

Wayne exchanged a look with Valery. Dayo leaned forward slightly, then nodded. "Alright then. If you're sure."

Rhea took the pen, signed, and slid the contract across the table.

Dayo picked it up, scanned her signature, and smiled faintly. "Good. Since you're the first to sign, you'll be our main focus for the next rollout. I hope you're ready for what comes with that."

Rhea grinned. "I've been ready."

The others looked at her quietly. There was a hint of admiration — and pressure.

Leo, who had been reading carefully all this while, leaned back and crossed his arms. "It's a fair deal," he said slowly. "A bit tight, but fair."

Then Marcus sighed loudly and dropped his pen on the table. "I don't know, man. Some of these terms are… restrictive. Like the one-month notice before leaving. What if something happens and I need to go sooner?"

Dayo looked at him calmly. "Then you'll talk to me directly. But the rule stays. That clause isn't changing."

Marcus frowned. "But don't you think it's a bit too much control? Like—"

"Marcus," Dayo interrupted, his tone flat but calm, "look at the contract again."

Marcus hesitated.

"Read it again," Dayo said slowly. "You'll see that nothing in there takes away your freedom. It just makes sure no one walks out overnight and leaves a mess behind. I'm not changing a letter from that contract. Either you accept it, or you leave."

The room went silent. Everyone could feel the tension.

Marcus clenched his jaw. "Fine," he muttered. "Then maybe it's not for me."

Dayo nodded once. "Alright. Valery, prepare his release papers. He's out."

Valery gave a small nod and quietly began noting it down.

Wayne glanced at Marcus, who looked frustrated but didn't say another word. He just got up, picked his jacket, and walked out.

The door closed softly.

The silence stayed for a few seconds before Trent spoke. "I'll sign," he said simply.

Dayo turned to him. "You're sure?"

Trent nodded. "Yeah. I've got no reason not to. This label gave me my first real shot. If there are rules, I'll respect them. It's business."

He signed neatly, pushed the paper forward, and leaned back.

Dayo smiled lightly. "Smart choice."

Finally, Leo was the only one left. He kept his pen on the paper but didn't move.

"I respect what you're building," he said slowly. "But I don't think this is for me — not yet. I want to grow on my own a bit more before locking myself down again."

Dayo didn't look angry. He just nodded. "That's fair. I appreciate the honesty."

Leo stood up and extended his hand. Dayo shook it firmly.

"Best of luck, man," Dayo said. "You're good at what you do. Keep pushing."

"Thanks," Leo replied with a small smile. "And I mean it — no hard feelings."

He left the room quietly, leaving Rhea and Trent behind.

Dayo looked at the two remaining artists. "Alright, then. You two — congratulations. You're now officially under JD Record Label. And I promise, your effort won't go unnoticed."

Rhea smiled proudly. Trent nodded respectfully.

Wayne clapped his hands together. "Alright, let's get you both started. We've got a long road ahead."

As the meeting ended, Dayo looked at the signed contracts on the table.

Two signatures. Two loyal artists.

It wasn't about the numbers — it was about commitment.

He leaned back, satisfied. "Good," he said quietly. "This time, we build it right."

"So, I'm sure you all know I've been recording my first album," Dayo said, looking at them. "I've written songs for each of you to feature on — if you had accepted the contract. Since you did, good. Here are your songs. Get ready, recording starts tomorrow."

Both of them looked surprised but happy. They nodded and took the song sheets from him.

"Thank you, sir," they said almost at the same time.

They smiled, bowed slightly, and left the hall.

Dayo turned to Wayne. "Alright, that's settled. Let's get started on production."

Wayne groaned dramatically. "Ugh, Dayo… you'll be the end of me."

Dayo smirked. "Careful, seems like you don't want to work here anymore. Remember, I'm your boss."

"Yeah, yeah. Yes, BOSS," Wayne replied, raising his hands in mock surrender.

They both laughed, Valery joining in from the side as the tension in the room faded.