Why Practice Is Necessary For Artists’ Success In Music

Perelade Dimanche is a top Talent, Event, and Tour Manager with over seven years of experience in Artist Development and Management. She is among the creatives spearheading the growth of local touring opportunities in her country, Nigeria, and has, for the past three years, dedicated herself to researching and developing innovative structures to foster growth and opportunities in Nigeria and across the African continent.

On the 4th of June 2025, Vwaza Multimedia hosted Perelade on our Music Business Education series to hear her thoughts on the topic “The Business of Live Performances”. She was hosted by Pokani Kaunda, our Artist Relationship Manager.

During the event, Perelade emphasised why artist rehearsals and practice are crucial to their success on the stage. She said, “You don't have to be a perfect performer, you just need to do it. Practice makes perfect!” And we agree; repetition breeds confidence—especially on stage.

Why Practice Matters

Every Artist Manager and Event Organiser has a horrid story about an artist who, despite being booked and sometimes even paid for an event, neglected to attend sound checks organised by their client. This is a costly mistake. Practice is more than just showing up and making sure you know the words to your song. Every rehearsal is an opportune moment to sharpen your timing, check and improve your sound quality, and perfect your stage presence without the pressures of an eager crowd. Going through your set repeatedly enables you to react naturally to unexpected moments, like mic glitches or crowd interaction. This is essential truth for artists on the African live music scene, where venues and setups often vary.

Practice sets are also ensure that you familiarise yourself with your team. "Team" can be your band, where you learn each other's cues. It can also be the team given to you by your client, like a DJ, host, or stage manager. A thorough knowledge of your team gives you the confidence of knowing who to turn to in case of an emergency, and the trust of knowing how far back you can lean on your team mates before they reach their capacity to hypothetically "carry you" during your live perfomance. If, for instance, you learn during practice that your drummer is not good with spontaneous breaks from routine, then you are less likely to move away from your planned set on stage, even when your audience demands it.

How to Practice Effectively

Perhaps you are wondering how to practice the way other professionals do. You're in luck, because Perelade had a few tips to share:

• Record and Review: Analyze recordings of your performances—inside or outside rehearsals—to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses.

• Simulate Performance Conditions: Practice in the clothes and shoes you’ll wear, run your full lighting or mic setup, and rehearse the full setlist.

• Mind the Gaps: Focus on transitions, audience engagement, and your talking points—don’t let offstage words catch you unprepared.

• Invite Feedback: Enlist trusted friends to watch rehearsals and offer honest critiques. Fresh opinions help you refine performance.

Perelade’s tip rings loud and clear: “Great performers are artists who go out of their way to be exceptional.” Practice is the path to exceptionality.

Final Takeaway

Practice isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re prepping for an intimate performance in Lilongwe, a festival in Lagos, or a set at the Super Bowl, consistent rehearsal distinguishes performers from entertainers. As Perelade reminded us: “Do it—practice until you own it.”

Catch the full vlog of the event on YouTube.