Mr. Jollof claims Burna Boy rejected a $1 million (≈N1.3B) fee for a Warri concert, citing that it’s below his current performance rate. The backlash highlights rising expectations from A-list artistes in Afrobeats.
Comedian and event promoter Mr. Jollof sparked debate after revealing that Burna Boy rejected a $1 million performance offer for a show in Warri, Delta State. According to Mr. Jollof, the fee—about N1.3 billion at the time—was turned down because it was “too small” relative to what Burna Boy now demands.
He added that Burna Boy’s rise beyond Nigeria has changed what he expects for performances. Mr. Jollof said many local promoters no longer meet the financial threshold the superstar now sets, especially when offers are made in naira rather than dollar-equivalent or international rate.
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Mr. Jollof said he and investors reached out with the proposal for a show in Warri worth $1 million. He claims Burna Boy’s team rejected it because his standard fee had already risen above that. The promoter expressed disappointment, saying the superstar’s international stature now dictates higher demands.
According to Mr. Jollof, Burna Boy no longer operates in the “ordinary Nigerian lane” when it comes to payment. Offers need to match what an artist of his global profile attracts abroad. Many believe this reflects the effects of currency fluctuations and international market comparisons.
The revelation stirred mixed reactions. Some fans agree that artistes deserve higher pay given their global draw. Others argue local shows should be more aligned with promoter capacities. Critics warn that setting very high fees can limit accessibility for local promoters and fans.
Burna Boy rejecting what many consider a massive offer may reflect shifting norms in Afrobeats, where top artists are increasingly aligned with global market values. This could raise the bar for performance fees across the industry, especially for headliner shows.
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