Highest-Paid Celebrities
Top 10 Highest Paid Artists In Nigeria [2024]
Some of the highest paid artists in Nigeria charge as high as ₦30 million per local show and $200,000 per international show. And that’s just for a single show!
Nigeria’s music industry has witnessed an unprecedented surge in popularity locally and globally, thanks to the incredible talent of its artists. With a unique blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B, Nigerian music has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
In this article, we’re thrilled to take you on a journey through the top 10 highest-paid artists in Nigeria in 2024. As we explore this list, you’ll discover that these artists are not only celebrated for their creative prowess but are also reaping the rewards of their hard work and determination.
Some of these artists charge as high as ₦30 million per local show and $1 million per international show. And that’s just for a single show!
So, if you’re ready to discover who are the biggest earners in the Nigerian music industry, read on.
1. Wizkid
Performance Fee: $1 million
Balogun Ayodeji, better known as Wizkid, holds the top spot as the highest-paid artist in Nigeria. According to reports, Wizkid charges as high as $1 million for each show he performs.
Far back in 2018, he was paid a staggering $681,200 to showcase his musical prowess at a royal wedding hosted at the renowned Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur, India. This remarkable feat solidified his position as one of the highest-paid artists globally that year.
Wizkid continued to make headlines in 2022 by achieving a remarkable milestone. He was offered an astounding $1 million to be the headline act at the prestigious Rolling Loud festival held in Toronto, Canada.
But the surprises didn’t end there. He was presented with another million-dollar paycheck to headline the Let’s Get Free Festival in New York, USA. These exceptional earnings cemented his position as the highest-paid artist in African history.
Wizkid’s astronomical success is a testament to his immense talent, hard work, and widespread appeal. His ability to captivate audiences worldwide has undoubtedly contributed to his commanding fees.
In addition to his remarkable achievements, it’s worth noting that Wizkid is the richest musician in Nigeria and one of Africa’s most influential artists putting Nigerian music on the global map.
2. Burna Boy
Performance Fee: $1 million
Burna boy
Damini Ogulu, widely recognized as Burna Boy, has solidified his position as the second-highest-paid artist in Nigeria, commanding a staggering fee of $1 million.
Not only that, but he also adds an extravagant touch to his shows by demanding a private jet flight, ensuring a luxurious and convenient travel experience.
A notable example of his hefty earnings is his performance at the 2023 Coachella in California, where he was paid $750,000 for a mere 50-minute set.
Similarly, Burna Boy pocketed $1 million to headline Uganda’s new stadium opening in 2023.
Burna Boy’s success is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and ability to connect with a wide audience. His vibrant Afrobeat sound, infused with diverse musical influences, has resonated not only within Nigeria but also on an international scale.
This global appeal has opened doors for him to showcase his talent across different continents, leading to lucrative opportunities and substantial financial rewards.
3. Davido
Performance Fee: $600,000
Davido is the highest earner on Instagram in Nigeria.
Adeleke David, popularly known by his stage name Davido, secures the third position among Nigeria’s highest-paid artists in the year 2024.
He charges a minimum fee of ₦40 Million for each performance within Nigeria. When it comes to international bookings, he goes a step further by offering his services for a price of $600,000, which includes the added luxury of private jet flights.
Davido’s rise to prominence in the Nigerian music industry has been nothing short of remarkable. With his captivating performances and chart-topping hits, he has captured the hearts of music enthusiasts across the nation and beyond.
This has not only propelled him to the upper echelons of the Nigerian entertainment scene but has also translated into substantial financial success.
One noteworthy aspect of Davido’s business acumen is his ability to ensure that his talent is duly recognized and compensated. This not only showcases his commitment to delivering an exceptional experience to his audience but also demonstrates his understanding of the value he brings to the table.
As he continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide, his status as one of Nigeria’s highest-paid artists will likely persist and even rise in the coming years.
4. Olamide
Performance Fee: $500,000
The 33-year-old rapper, Olamide is not only Nigeria’s highest-paid rapper but also the richest rapper in Nigeria. With an estimated net worth of $10 million, Olamide has established himself as a major force in the music industry.
Back in the day, Olamide is the only Nigerian artist rugged enough to churn out an album consistently every single year. Apparently, his hard work paid off. Despite that he barely releases songs anymore, he is still an in-demand artist both nationally and internationally.
The indigenous rapper charges a minimum of $500,000 for each performance he delivers outside Nigeria. Within Nigeria, his home turf, he charges a substantial fee of ₦25 million for shows. His impressive earnings reflect his immense talent and the widespread popularity of his music.
5. Rema
Performance Fee: $200,000
The 21-year-old singer, Rema is the youngest among the top 10 highest-paid artists in Nigeria. This incredibly talented singer has proven his versatility time and time again. His impressive hit songs have resonated with millions of fans across the globe and taken the Nigerian music industry by storm.
His hit song, “Calm Down” was certified 13x IMI Platinum in India, making him the first and only Nigeria artist to ever hold this record. This bears witness to his strong international appeal.
Surprisingly, Rema earns more than industry veterans such as Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, or even Kizz Daniel.
For international performances, Rema charges a minimum fee of $200,000 per show. On the other hand, he charges as high as ₦10 million for performances within Nigeria.
It is clear that Rema’s star power is in high demand, and he’s rightfully earning his place among the top-paid artists in Nigeria.
6. Tiwa Savage
Performance Fee: $100,000
Tiwatope Savage-Balogun, widely recognized by her stage name Tiwa Savage is both the richest female singer and the highest-paid female artist in Nigeria.
As of January 2024, Tiwa Savage commands a minimum fee of $100,000 for each performance, and she even includes private jet flights when traveling for shows outside of Lagos.
Tiwa Savage’s consistent ability to draw large crowds and deliver exceptional live shows has significantly contributed to her commanding such a substantial fee.
In 2023, Tiwa Savage made history as the first Nigerian artiste to ever perform at the royal coronation. Her epic performance at King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s coronation concert at Windsor Castle in England blew the world away. This would definitely impact her earning power going forward.
7. Yemi Alade
Performance Fee: $75,000
The self-acclaimed Mama Africa, Yemi Alade is a talented singer and performer who has gained considerable recognition and popularity in Nigeria.
Apart from her notable success in Nigeria, Yemi Alade has been able to captivate audiences globally with her energetic performances and infectious music. Her unique style and captivating stage presence have made her a sought-after artist in various parts of the world.
This demand has allowed her to establish a strong financial standing, contributing to her impressive net worth of $4.9 million. Thanks to her international appeal, Yemi Alade charges a minimum fee of $75,000 per performance beyond the borders of Nigeria.
Yemi Alade’s journey to becoming one of the highest-paid artists in Nigeria has not been without hard work and dedication. She has consistently honed her craft, delivering hit songs and mesmerizing performances that have resonated with fans across different cultures and continents. Her ability to transcend boundaries and connect with diverse audiences has undoubtedly contributed to her rise in the industry.
8. Kizz Daniel
Performance Fee: $70,000
Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, widely recognized as Kizz Daniel is one of the most booked artists in Nigeria. He charges a minimum fee of ₦6 million for performances within Nigeria and $70,000 for performances beyond the borders of Nigeria. This solidifies his position as one of the highest-paid artists in Nigeria.
Kizz Daniel’s chart-topping hits, infectious melodies, and energetic performances have earned him a massive fan base and a steady stream of show bookings. As an artist who consistently delivers memorable experiences to his audiences, event organizers are willing to invest generously to secure his presence at their shows.
9. Tems
Performance Fee: $50,000
Tems is one of Nigeria’s Phenomenal talents who enjoyed a fast rise in fame in the Nigeria music industry. Following the breakout of her self-produced single “Try Me” in 2019, she collaborated with Wizkid on “Essence” in 2020, a song that recorded global success and put her in the spotlight. She went on to add some international collaborations to her profile, including co-writing Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up”. Given her soaring popularity and international appeal, Tems commands a performance fee of $50,000.
10. Ayra Starr
Performance Fee: $50,000
Rounding off the list is Ayra Starr, the “celestial being” of the Nigerian music industry. She carved a niche for herself with her unique blend of Afropop and R&B, capturing the hearts of fans both locally and internationally.
After she was discovered on Instagram and subsequently signed to Mavins Record by Don Jazzy, Ayra released her debut EP, and its hit track “Away” propelled her into the limelight in early 2021. It peaked at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart and made waves on the global stage, even peaking at number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart.
Ayra’s international appeal soared with the release of “Rush,” earning her a Grammy nomination and historic achievements on YouTube and the UK Singles Chart.
Now, with that amount of fame, influence, and global appeal, it is no surprise that Ayra Starr charges $50,000 as a performance fee.
Conclusion
The Nigerian music industry has grown immensely over the years, creating opportunities for artists to showcase their talents and earn a good living from their craft.
From Burna Boy to Wizkid, these artists have become household names not just in Nigeria, but across the world. Their dedication, hard work, and talent have paid off, earning them a place on the list of the top 10 highest-paid artists in Nigeria.
As we look to the future, it’s exciting to see what new artists will emerge and what the industry has in store for us. One thing is for sure, the Nigerian music scene will continue to evolve and produce more incredible talent that we can all be proud of.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Artists In Nigeria [2024]
The table below contains the list of the top 10 highest-paid artists in Nigeria and their appearance fees per international show:
| Rank | Artist | Price Per Show (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wizkid | $1 million |
| 2 | Burna Boy | $1 million |
| 3 | Davido | $500,000 |
| 4 | Olamide | $500,000 |
| 5 | Rema | $200,000 |
| 6 | Tiwa Savage | $100,000 |
| 7 | Yemi Alade | $75,000 |
| 8 | Kizz Daniel | $70,000 |
| 9 | Tems | $50,000 |
| 10 | Ayra Starr | $50,000 |