An NFT, otherwise known as a non-fungible token, is, in short, a unique digital identifier. And, by purchasing an NFT, a person becomes the owner of some form of digital product, such as a piece of art or a sports card, which cannot be copied, replaced or divided. They have become increasingly popular thanks to the rise of cryptocurrencies because NFTs use blockchain and smart contracts. Now, they’re being seen as beneficial to celebrities who have passed into the next life.
A recent PartyCasino report on dead celebrities reveals a couple of things. Dead celebs, more often than not, have a catalogue of work that is timeless, regardless of what industry they excelled in. And as a result of this, their estates in the years after their death have raked in millions. NFTs could well be something for those in control of these estates and affairs after death to explore, especially if there is that crucial catalogue of work that continues to be of significant interest.
What has been typical on the NFT front so far is art. People are digitalising art, and then proceeding to sell the art as NFTs. And, there are now instances where art galleries around the world have NFT shops, with the work of celebrities who have passed available to buy in some way, shape or form digitally. They say the proof is in the pudding, and because this works for artists, there’s no reason why this won’t or can’t be the case for other deceased celebs, too, as we will probably find out in due course.
Take Michael Jackson, for example. He’s not only one of the most famous people ever to live, but he’s also the top earner in the last decade, with his estate raking in billions. His work is timeless; his music is still played every single day, probably by millions, which shows just how relevant he remains. But listening to his music is one thing, but how close does it get you to the legacy of the King of Pop? Not very close, right? But NFTs could solve that.
Think about it, not only could you have unique artwork of Jackson himself, but his music could be brought into the equation. For example, artwork could be designed of album covers and sold as NFTs. And this naturally would apply to many musicians who have passed and proven profitable for their estate, while fans would feel closer than ever to their hero.
And again, NFTs wouldn’t be limited to artists or musicians. Kobe Bryant, an NBA legend, tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2020, and it’s possible that NFTs involving images of him on the court, of sports cards and other things tied into his career, could be created and made available for purchase. The possibilities are endless where NFTs and dead celebrities are concerned, and it’s something that will be explored in more depth over time.
