In Nigeria’s entertainment and political circuits, performance fees and appearance costs are closely guarded secrets. But in 2025, leaks, whispers, and industry chatter have begun to peel back the curtain on what some of Nigeria’s biggest celebrities allegedly charge—and it’s a wild world of inflated egos, rival camps, and hush-hush transfers.
A-Listers: The Million-Dollar Club?
BURNA BOY
Burna Boy allegedly leads the charge with a jaw-dropping $1 million per international gig, complete with business class flights for his 12-man entourage, customized backstage requests, and zero tolerance for late payments. Industry insiders claim promoters in Europe and the U.S. negotiate for weeks just to secure a 60-minute performance.
WIZKID
Wizkid, not far behind, is said to charge $800,000 to $1 million, depending on venue capacity and country. One Lagos-based promoter reportedly backed out of a show in Dubai after Wizkid’s team allegedly demanded a G-Wagon escort and a private yacht for after-party access.
DAVIDO
Davido, ever the energetic performer, is rumored to charge around $600,000 internationally—with additional charges if the gig falls within a political season. Sources close to his camp claim he’s selective about political events, unless a certain governor’s checkbook is involved.
The Mid-Tier Moguls: Still Big, Still Pricey
OLAMIDE
Olamide, the YBNL boss, might not tour globally like his peers, but his influence in Nigeria is unmatched. Allegedly, he commands ₦70 million to ₦150 million per headline event, especially if it’s a government gig. A source from Ogun State’s last cultural carnival whispered that his performance fee alone consumed 22% of the entire entertainment budget.
KIZZ DANIEL
Kizz Daniel is said to charge ₦50–₦80 million, but reportedly adds extra for backup dancers and “vibe control.” At least one record label insider said his 2025 rate shot up after the viral success of “Twe Twe (Remix).”
ASAKE
Asake, fresh off back-to-back global tours, allegedly collects $100,000–$150,000 for international bookings. Rumor has it that a London show promoter once paid him fully in cash to avoid Nigerian tax complications.
TIWA SAVAGE
Tiwa Savage allegedly commands a minimum performance fee of $100,000 per show. This rate applies both within Nigeria and internationally, with additional requirements such as private jet flights for overseas engagements.
Emerging Forces: Fast Fame, Fast Cash
REMA
Rema, with his international collaborations, reportedly charges around $200,000 per show, but he’s allegedly been turning down local bookings below ₦100 million. A Kaduna promoter told a friend that Rema’s team ignored them completely after they proposed ₦60 million for a private concert.
AYRA STARR
Ayra Starr, known for her captivating stage energy, allegedly charges ₦30–₦40 million in Nigeria and over $60,000 internationally. She’s also rumored to bill extra for hair and glam teams, regardless of who’s footing the bill.
TEMS
Tems’ fee is reportedly around $50,000 per show, placing her among Nigeria’s top-earning artists. She is allegedly hard to book—unless the event is fashion or Grammy-related. One insider claims she recently declined a ₦100 million offer from a state government because she didn’t “like the energy.”
Political Crossovers: When Politicians Pay Up
Some musicians and actors have allegedly become mouthpieces for political campaigns—but it comes at a premium. In 2025, a leaked document allegedly showed a Lagos governorship aspirant paying over ₦300 million for celebrity endorsements, including shout-outs, rally appearances, and social media praise.
One unnamed skit maker allegedly received ₦50 million just to film a “neutral but favourable” content series targeting the youth vote.
Fame Has a Price Tag
In 2025, being famous in Nigeria means having a rate card—and an inner circle ready to negotiate it. From alleged one-night festival fees in foreign currency to silent payments for political endorsements, the Nigerian entertainment industry is swimming in numbers no one will admit, but everyone keeps whispering about.
As one Lagos show promoter put it: “They never say it out loud, but once you mention ₦100 million, they start picking your calls.”
