Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has explained why many artists in the country charge high performance fees, citing the rising costs of music production, promotion, and maintaining a public image.
Speaking in a recent interview with Naija FM, the artist detailed the financial realities behind creating an album, noting that expenses often run into tens of millions of naira before profits are made.
“Making this album, just paying producers alone cost about $100,000,” Bella said. “Then I still have to shoot videos, promote the songs on radio, TV, and digital 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.”
He emphasized that high performance fees are not driven by greed but by the need for artists to recover their investments and sustain their careers.
Bella also touched on the lifestyle expectations that come with fame, revealing that he avoids wearing the same outfit twice in public — not out of vanity, but because of the constant attention artists face.
“As a public figure, I can’t repeat clothes twice. It’s part of the image we have to maintain. People are always watching,” he explained.
The singer’s comments shed light on the broader economic pressures faced by Nigerian musicians, who often fund their own production, marketing, and branding without institutional support.
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Source:Africa Publicity
