Nigerian artistes now charge N200m, upcoming ones demand N80m – AY comedian reveals

Nigerian comedian AY has disclosed that the fees for booking entertainment artists for his annual AY Live comedy show have significantly increased. He noted that some artists now charge as much as 200 million naira for performances, while lesser-known performers demand fees approaching 80 million naira.

Speaking on the evolving landscape of the Nigerian music industry, AY explained that the financial demands from artists have changed dramatically over the years. He mentioned prominent figures like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Olamide, who have all appeared at AY Live in the past. According to AY, these performances were often facilitated by personal connections, with artists previously willing to accept reasonable amounts primarily to cover logistics.

AY stated, “In those days, many appearances were made possible through friendship. An artiste would accept any reasonable amount to cover their logistics, but today, the Nigerian musicians charge 200 million, 120 million, 80 million to appear on my show.”

He attributed these rising costs to the expansion of the Nigerian music industry, noting that artists today benefit from various revenue streams, including music streaming, international endorsements, and opportunities that provide payment in foreign currencies. As a result, they no longer rely on comedy shows for visibility.

AY also highlighted that even emerging artists, who have not yet reached mainstream success, are now seeking substantial fees. “Even the upcoming artists who haven’t blown yet, they still ask for 80 million,” he remarked.

The comedian emphasized that maintaining strong personal relationships with artists is crucial for securing their participation in comedy shows. “If you don’t have a strong personal relationship with any of these artists, bringing them to a comedy show can be really expensive,” AY said.

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