Nigeria’s music scene is booming both at home and around the world, thanks to the incredible talents of its artists. Mixing Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B, Nigerian music has won over millions of fans globally.
Entertainment is the fastest-growing industry in Nigeria, and it’s rapidly growing in other parts of Africa and the world too. For years, the Nigerian music industry has been creating millionaires and billionaires. This trend continues due to substantial investments and promotions by influential Nigerian musicians, and other professionals in the entertainment industry.
Now, Nigerian music is gaining global recognition, with fans in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and beyond. These artists not only receive acclaim for their creativity but also enjoy the fruits of their hard work and determination.
Here are the top 10 highest paid artists in Nigeria:
1. Burna Boy
Burna Boy, also known as Damini Ogulu, has become one of Nigeria’s highest-paid artists, charging an impressive $1 million for his performances. Adding a touch of luxury, he even requests a private jet for a lavish travel experience.
An example of his significant earnings is his 2023 Coachella performance, where he earned $750,000 for just a 50-minute set. Additionally, Burna Boy was paid $1 million to headline the opening of Uganda’s new stadium in 2023. His success is a result of his dedication, creativity, and ability to connect with a broad audience.
Burna Boy’s lively Afrobeat sound, influenced by various musical styles, has not only resonated in Nigeria but has also gained international acclaim. This global recognition has opened doors for him to showcase his talent worldwide, leading to lucrative opportunities and substantial financial rewards.
2. Olamide
Olamide, the famous rapper, not only holds the title of Nigeria’s highest-paid rapper but is also the richest in the country, boasting an estimated net worth of $10 million. He has solidified his presence as a major force in the music industry.
In the past, Olamide stood out as the only Nigerian artist consistently releasing an album every year, showcasing his rugged work ethic. Despite slowing down on new releases, he remains a sought-after artist, both nationally and internationally.
For performances outside Nigeria, the indigenous rapper commands a minimum fee of $500,000, while within Nigeria, his home ground, he charges a substantial ₦25 million for shows. His impressive earnings are a testament to his immense talent and the widespread popularity of his music.
3. Davido
Davido, also known as Adeleke David, holds the third position among Nigeria’s highest-paid artists in 2024. His fee for performances within Nigeria starts at ₦40 Million, and for international bookings, he offers his services for $600,000, which includes the luxury of private jet flights. Davido’s journey to stardom in the Nigerian music scene has been remarkable.
His captivating performances and chart-topping hits have won the hearts of music enthusiasts not only in Nigeria but beyond. This success has not only elevated him in the Nigerian entertainment scene but has also resulted in substantial financial gains. A notable aspect of Davido’s business savvy is his ability to ensure that his talent is duly recognized and compensated.
This not only reflects his commitment to providing an exceptional experience to his audience but also highlights his understanding of the value he brings. As he continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences globally, his status as one of Nigeria’s highest-paid artists is likely to persist and even rise in the years to come.
4. Wizkid
Wizkid, also known as Balogun Ayodeji, holds the title as one of Nigeria’s highest-paid artists. Reports indicate that he charges a whopping $1 million for each show he performs. Back in 2018, he earned an impressive $681,200 for showcasing his musical talent at a royal wedding in Jodhpur, India, securing his position as one of the highest-paid artists globally that year.
In 2022, Wizkid made headlines by achieving a significant milestone. He was offered a remarkable $1 million to headline the prestigious Rolling Loud festival in Toronto, Canada. The surprises continued as he received another million-dollar paycheck to headline the Let’s Get Free Festival in New York, USA. These outstanding earnings solidified his status as the highest-paid artist in African history.
Wizkid’s success is a testament to his immense talent, hard work, and broad appeal. His ability to captivate audiences worldwide has undoubtedly contributed to his substantial fees. Alongside his remarkable achievements, it’s noteworthy that Wizkid is the richest musician in Nigeria and one of Africa’s most influential artists, putting Nigerian music on the global map.
5. Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage, known by her stage name, is not only the richest female singer but also the highest-paid female artist in Nigeria. As of January 2024, she charges a minimum fee of $100,000 for each performance, and when traveling outside of Lagos for shows, she even includes private jet flights.
Tiwa Savage’s consistent ability to draw large crowds and deliver exceptional live shows has played a significant role in her ability to command such a substantial fee. Making history in 2023, she became the first Nigerian artist to perform at a royal coronation. Her epic performance at King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s coronation concert at Windsor Castle in England left a lasting impact, undoubtedly influencing her earning power moving forward.
6. Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade, also known as Mama Africa, is a highly skilled singer and performer, earning significant acclaim and popularity in Nigeria and globally. Beyond her success in Nigeria, Yemi Alade’s vibrant performances and infectious music have captured audiences worldwide. Renowned for her unique style and compelling stage presence, she is in high demand across the globe, contributing to her impressive net worth of $4.9 million.
With international appeal, Yemi Alade commands a minimum fee of $75,000 per performance outside Nigeria. Her journey to becoming one of Nigeria’s highest-paid artists reflects years of hard work, dedication, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences through hit songs and mesmerizing performances.
7. Kizz Daniel
Kizz Daniel, also known as Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, is a super popular artist in Nigeria. He charges at least ₦6 million for shows in Nigeria and $70,000 for shows outside the country, making him one of the highest-paid artists in Nigeria.
His hit songs, catchy tunes, and lively performances have given him a huge fan following and lots of bookings for shows. Because he always delivers awesome experiences to his audience, event organizers are happy to spend a good amount to have him perform at their events.
8. Tems
Tems, a remarkable talent in Nigeria, quickly gained fame in the music industry. After her self-produced hit “Try Me” in 2019, she teamed up with Wizkid on the global success “Essence” in 2020, propelling her into the spotlight.
She expanded her profile with international collaborations, such as co-writing Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up.” With her rising popularity and global appeal, Tems now charges a performance fee of $50,000.
9. Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr, known for her distinctive blend of Afropop and R&B, has made a mark both locally and internationally. Discovered on Instagram and signed to Mavins Record by Don Jazzy, Ayra gained prominence with her debut EP, particularly the hit track “Away” that propelled her into the limelight in early 2021.
Reaching number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart and making a splash globally, “Away” even claimed the 17th spot on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart. Ayra’s international appeal soared with “Rush,” leading to a Grammy nomination and historic achievements on YouTube and the UK Singles Chart. Given her fame, influence, and global recognition, Ayra Starr now commands a performance fee of $50,000. |
10. Don Jazzy
Don Jazzy, whose real name is Michael Collins Ajereh, wears many hats in Nigeria’s music scene. He’s not just a record producer, executive, and entrepreneur but also a singer, songwriter, and philanthropist. Known as the founder and CEO of Mavin Records, he previously co-owned Mo’Hits Records with Dbanj, whose contributions significantly added to Don Jazzy’s success.
The success of Mo’Hits Records laid the foundation for Mavin Records, the leading record company in Nigeria. Despite not claiming the spotlight as a singer, Don Jazzy’s love for music has led him to produce hits for talents like Sauce Kid, Dr. SID, Ikechukwu, Wande Coal, and D’Prince.
Internationally, Don Jazzy collaborated with icons like Kanye West and Jay-Z, contributing to the production of “Lift Off” in the album “Watch The Throne,” featuring Beyonce. This brought him global recognition. Known for hits like Dr. Sid’s ‘You Bad’, Tiwa Savage’s ‘Eminado’, and the million-viewed Doro Buchi with Mavin crew, Don Jazzy is now a prominent figure in the Nigerian music industry.
He charges between N8 to N20 million for appearances in shows, covering all expenses. Beyond music, Don Jazzy earns from brand endorsements with companies like Konga, V bank, MTN, Globacom, and Betway. He’s also involved in comedy skits with popular comedians and ventures into forex and other personal businesses.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s musical prowess has transcended borders, captivating audiences worldwide. The fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B has propelled Nigerian artists to international stardom, making the country a formidable force in the global music scene.
With the entertainment industry flourishing and creating success stories, Nigerian musicians continue to shine, not only for their creative brilliance but also for the prosperity they bring to their nation. As we witness the remarkable journey of Nigerian music, it’s evident that the beats from this country resonate far beyond its border.
