Bella Shmurda explains why Nigerian artistes charge high performance fees

Popular Nigerian singer, Bella Shmurda, has opened up about the reasons behind the high performance fees charged by many artistes in the country.

The “Cash App” crooner explained that the seemingly exorbitant rates are not about greed but a reflection of the massive financial obligations that come with making and promoting music in today’s entertainment industry.

High cost of music production and promotion

Speaking during a recent interview with Naija FM Lagos, Bella Shmurda revealed that the process of creating quality music involves a lot of expenses that the public rarely sees. He explained that musicians invest heavily in studio sessions, production, songwriting, sound engineering, video shoots, and marketing campaigns before releasing any song or album.

“Speaking from the perspective of an artiste, making music is expensive,” Bella said. “I spent $100,000 to pay producers, songwriters and engineers that worked on my album. That’s over N100 million. Not to mention music videos and promotion costs. That’s a lot.”

According to the singer, by the time an artiste factors in the cost of maintaining a team of professionals—including producers, managers, dancers, stylists, photographers, and personal assistants—charging high performance fees becomes the only way to stay financially stable.

The reality of being a public figure

Bella Shmurda also shed light on how the pressures of being in the public eye affect an artiste’s spending habits. He noted that celebrities are often expected to maintain a particular lifestyle that aligns with their public image. This expectation, he said, adds significantly to their expenses.

“I don’t repeat clothes because I’m a public figure,” he explained. “We have to look good all the time, appear at events, and maintain a certain standard. All of these cost money. It’s part of the brand.”

The singer added that fans and critics often misunderstand the financial realities of the music business, thinking artistes charge too much for performances without realizing the costs they incur to sustain their craft and image.

Performance fees reflect investment costs

Bella Shmurda clarified that the high performance fees are not about overcharging promoters or event organizers but about ensuring fair compensation for the huge investments artistes make.

“So, I go for a show, I would charge what would equate my investments,” he said. “Even if I don’t make profit, I should at least be able to recover the cost of production. So, we are not overcharging. If you look at it from our own perspective, you will agree that we are not overcharging.”

The singer emphasized that behind every successful performance is a long chain of professionals who depend on the artiste’s income for their livelihood. From backup dancers to sound engineers and stylists, each member of the team plays a critical role in ensuring top-quality performances that meet fan expectations.

Industry experts back Bella Shmurda’s view

Industry analysts and entertainment business experts have often echoed similar sentiments, stating that the Nigerian music scene has become more competitive and costly in recent years. The demand for international-standard production quality, luxury music videos, and global marketing strategies has significantly raised the cost of doing business for artistes.

In addition, the rising cost of living, fluctuating exchange rates, and limited access to music revenue streams such as royalties or digital streaming income have made live performances one of the most reliable sources of income for many artistes.

Bella Shmurda’s growing influence in Afrobeats

Bella Shmurda, whose real name is Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, rose to prominence with hit songs like Vision 2020, Cash App, and Philo. Known for his street-inspired lyrics and vibrant personality, the singer has become one of the most recognizable voices in Nigeria’s Afrobeats scene.

Over the years, he has collaborated with several top artistes including Omah Lay, Zlatan Ibile, and Tiwa Savage, while also expanding his fanbase internationally.

As the Nigerian music industry continues to grow into a multi-billion-naira sector, Bella Shmurda’s comments shed light on the financial realities that shape the pricing structures of today’s artistes. His explanation serves as a reminder that what fans see on stage is only a fraction of the work—and cost—that goes into building a successful music career.