Nigerian Singer Bella Shmurda has shed light on why many Nigerian artists demand high performance fees, saying the costs of producing and promoting music — and maintaining a public image — have become extremely expensive.
Speaking in a recent chat with Naija FM, Bella broke down the financial side of being an artist, using an album as an example.
According to him, paying just producers, songwriters, and sound engineers cost him around $100,000 (over ₦100 million) — and that’s before shooting videos or promoting the songs on radio and TV.
He explained that when artists charge high for shows, it’s not about greed but about trying to recover what they’ve already invested.
In his words:
“Making this album, just paying producers alone cost about $100,000. Then I still have to shoot videos, promote the songs on radio, TV, and platforms — that’s a lot. So if I go for one show and I don’t charge, what’s the benefit for me in the long run? It’s not making sense. We’re not overcharging; people just don’t see the cost behind the music.”
Bella also revealed that he can’t repeat clothes twice as a public figure — not out of pride, but as part of the image demands that come with fame.
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