Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has revealed that the cost of booking major Nigerian music stars for his AY Live comedy show has increased significantly.
According to the comedian, some established artistes now request as much as N200 million for a performance, while others charge between N80 million and N120 million.
AY made the disclosure while reflecting on how much the Nigerian entertainment industry has changed since the launch of AY Live.
From Friendship to High Performance Fees
AY recalled that several leading Nigerian musicians, including Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage and Olamide, have performed at his comedy show over the years.
He explained that securing their appearances was previously easier because personal relationships often played an important role.
According to him, artistes were sometimes willing to perform for reasonable payments that mainly covered their transportation and other logistics.
However, he said the situation has changed considerably as Nigerian music has gained international recognition.
Global Success Has Changed the Industry
AY attributed the increase in performance fees to the growing commercial value of Nigerian music.
He noted that artistes now generate income from music streaming, international endorsements and other business opportunities, many of which are paid in foreign currencies.
As a result, he said, top musicians are no longer dependent on comedy shows for exposure.
Even Upcoming Artistes Are Expensive
The comedian also expressed surprise at the fees being requested by emerging artistes.
He said some musicians who are still trying to establish themselves in the industry now ask for fees as high as N80 million to appear at a show.
AY stressed that personal connections can still make a difference when organisers want to book popular artistes.
He said organisers without strong relationships with musicians or their teams may have to spend significantly more to secure their performances.
