PRICELESS GIFT: The Career Advice every Artist Needs: "Your Talent isn't for Sale"

When Miatta Fahnbulleh sat down with her grandfather to discuss her musical ambitions, the conversation went far beyond family politics and cigarette smoke.

Recognizing that his granddaughter was about to enter the commercial entertainment industry-a world driven by corporate greed, predatory contracts, and the constant pressure to compromise artistic integrity for fame-the wise patriarch imparted a philosophical lesson on creative gifts that would serve as her lifelong moral compass.

He explained to her that true creative talent is not something a person earns, buys, or invents through sheer force of will; it is an unearned divine endowment given by God before birth.

Because the artist did not pay for their own voice or musical intuition, they possess no spiritual right to view it merely as a commercial product to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. He warned her that the moment an artist sells their soul to money, they strip their craft of its healing power and become slaves to the commercial market.

Using the vivid image of a raw, unpolished gem, he instructed her to view her voice as a gift that must be shared freely with humanity, cultivated with excellence, and protected from commercial corruption.

"He said, 'People like you, you come already with your talent. You didn't have a choice about it. God gave you your talent, and whether you want to or not... your talent will come out," Miatta Fahnbulleh disclosed.

“He said, 'Diamond is your talent. Share it, produce it well. It is not for sale." "And I wish all artists would hear that advice," Miatta emphasized, reflecting on her five-decade career. "He said, 'Your talent is not for sale because your talent was given by God. Only He can put a price on your talent. So you can do it for free, for whatever it is-don't do it for the money. Don't sell your talent 'cause it's your God-given gift."

This profound counsel reshaped her perspective on show business. Throughout her decades as a celebrated recording artist, composer, and performer, Miatta maintained an unwavering independence.

She refused to sign exploitative record deals, declined projects that demeaned her African heritage, and used her music as a tool for humanitarian advocacy rather than personal wealth accumulation.

Her grandfather's words protected her spirit from the hollow trappings of fame, keeping her artistic integrity intact throughout her long journey.