Over the years, the Nigerian music industry has grown far beyond its domestic borders and has made a name for itself in international waters. This growth has not only captured millions of fans internationally, but has also raised the stakes for Nigerian artistes financially. In this article, Weekend Magazine lists out the highest paid artists in Nigeria.
Wizkid
Balogun Ayodeji, popularly known as Wizkid, is in first place on the list of Nigeria’s highest-paid artistes. According to reports, the renowned performer charges a minimum price of $200,000 for each performance. In 2018, he had the honour of receiving a whopping $681,200 as payment for performing at a royal wedding held at the illustrious Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur, India. This achievement cemented his spot as one of the highest-paid performers in the world that year. In 2022, Wizkid continued to grab attention by reaching a significant milestone after received a staggering $1 million offer to perform as the main performer at Toronto, Canada’s esteemed Rolling Loud event. He also received another million-dollar cheque to serve as the headlining act for the Let’s Get Free Festival in New York, USA.
Burna Boy
Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, has secured himself a spot as the country’s second-highest-paid singer, charging a whopping minimum fee of $200,000 for foreign performances. Not only that, but he also demands a private jet trip for his events, providing a luxurious hassle-free flying experience. Burna Boy’s talent and popularity have propelled him to new heights, attracting hefty payment for his musical talents. On December 21, 2019, the artist was paid a whopping sum of $300,000 for mere 45 minute appearance in Cameroon
Davido
David Adeleke, better known by his stage name Davido, comes in third. According to reports, the singer demands a minimum of N40 million for each performance inside of Nigeria. He demands a minimum of $150,000 for overseas bookings, which also covers the extra lux of private jet flights. Davido has experienced nothing less of a rapid climb to fame in the Nigerian music scene. He has won over music fans all around the country and abroad with his exciting performances and number-one hits. This has led to his significant financial success in addition to catapulting him to the top of the Nigerian entertainment industry.
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Tiwa Savage
Tiwatope Savage-Balogun, better known by her stage as Tiwa Savage, ranks fourth among Nigeria’s highest-earning artists in 2023. Several reports state that Tiwa Savage receives a minimum payment of $150,000 for each performance, and when she travels for gigs outside of Lagos, she even pays for private jet flights.
Tiwa Savage made history in 2023 by becoming the first Nigerian performer to ever appear at a royal coronation, which would undoubtedly have an effect on her future earning potential.
Olamide
In addition to being one of Nigeria’s highest-paid musicians, the 33-year-old rapper Olamide is also the richest rapper in the country. Olamide has made a name for himself in the music business and is estimated to have a net worth of $10 million. The indigenous artist demands at least $100,000 for each appearance he makes outside of Nigeria. Within Nigeria, he charges a whopping N25 million for shows.
Naira Marley
For his appearances abroad, Naira Marley, the CEO of Marlian Records, charges a significant fee of at least $80,000, which is evidence of his demand on a global scale. He demands a staggering N20 million for performances that take place within Nigeria. These figures demonstrate his enormous popularity and demand both domestically and internationally. Naira Marley was richly rewarded for his great talent in 2019. For a fantastic three-day event, Access Bank paid him an astounding 60 million Naira as the bank acknowledged his celebrity value.
Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade is an accomplished singer and performer who is well-known both in her native Nigeria and abroad. This demand has enabled her to develop a solid financial foundation, which has contributed to her amazing net worth of $4.9 million. As a result of her wide appeal internationally, Yemi Alade invoices a minimum of $75,000 for every appearance outside of Nigeria.
Flavour
Chinedu Okoli, well known by his stage name Flavour N’abania, stands out as one of Nigeria’s highest-paid musicians. The artist is reported to have a staggering net worth of $2 million, owing to his enormous accomplishment in the music industry. For both domestic and international performances, Flavour charges a minimum fee of $70,000.
Kizz Daniel
Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, also known as Kizz Daniel, is one of Nigeria’s most booked artistes. For performances within Nigeria, he charges a minimum of N6 million, while for those outside the country, he charges a minimum of N60,000. Kizz Daniel has amassed a sizable fan base and a regular stream of event bookings thanks to his chart-topping tunes, contagious melodies, and upbeat performances.
Rema
21-year-old singer, Rema, makes the list as the country’s youngest highest-paid artist. His outstanding hit songs have captivated millions of listeners around the world and rocked the Nigerian music scene.
In India, his hit song “Calm Down” was certified 13X IMI Platinum, making him the first and only Nigerian musician to hold this record. Rema charges a minimum of $50,000 for each show when performing internationally. On the other hand, he charges up to 10 million naira for concerts within the country.
