Nigerian comedian and actor Ayodeji Makun, popularly known as AY Comedian, has addressed the high fees Nigerian musicians now charge to perform at comedy shows, particularly his upcoming show.
Makun said people who attend his show often expect some of the biggest Nigerian artists to perform at the event. However, he explained that the situation has changed, with musicians now charging significantly higher fees to appear at comedy shows.
AY explains changing relationship between comedians and singers
The comedian explained in a video shared on social media that his comments were not intended to criticise Nigerian singers or the music industry. He claimed it is to help audiences understand what it takes to bring major music artists to comedy shows. 
“Let me begin by making something very clear, this video isn’t intended to call out Nigerian musicians or criticize thew music industry. It’s to help our audience understand what it takes to bring major music artist to comedy shows.”
“When you buy a ticket for a comedy show there is often that expectation that you must also see several top musicians. For many years we made that combination.”
He noted that several of Nigeria’s biggest musicians have performed at AY Live over the years.
“Since the beginning of AY Live, every major Nigerian artist you can think of has performed on our stage. From Wizkid to Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Phyno, P-Square, Dbanj, and 2Baba. They have all performed at AY Live Lagos, Abuja or any other cities.”
AY recalls when artists accepted smaller fees
Makun said friendship, mutual support and the desire to grow together helped comedians bring major musicians to their shows in the past.
“In those days many appearances were made possible through friendship, mutual support and the understanding that we are all growing together.”
“An artist will just accept any reasonable amount just to cover their logistics and find a way to genuinely support you. That was relationship but the industry has changed.”
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AY Makun reveals artists now charge millions to perform
The comedian said Nigerian musicians have become global stars. They now earn from streaming and other opportunities, including those that are paid in foreign currencies.
“Today, Nigerian musician are global stars. They earn from streaming and several other opportunities that comes, in foreign currencies. They no longer depend on comedy shows for visibilities.”
He explained that booking an artist without a strong personal relationship with them can now cost organisers hundreds of millions of naira.
“The reality is that if you do not have a strong personal relationship with any of these artists, bringing them to a comedy show can be extremely expensive.”
“You could approach an artist today and they can request for N200 million another one was asking me for N120 million. Even the one that isn’t that popular asked me to pay N80 million.”
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AY Makun highlights the cost of organising comedy shows
Makun said organisers must consider the cost of running an entire comedy show before agreeing to pay huge performance fees to musicians.
The comedian explained that organisers have to pay for the venue, production, sound, screens, security, publicity, comedians, staff and other aspects of the event.
He said paying one musician’s performance fee could sometimes consume the entire production budget for a comedy show.
“This whole conversation isn’t meant to call out music industry or call out Nigerian artists. It’s just a way of saying that the collaboration that existed between us was paying off. If you guys don’t do shows regularly, your true fans on the streets hardly gets to see you. They only do from the international concert.”
Makun also suggested that musicians could continue working with comedians. He claimed comedy shows give artists the opportunity to connect directly with their Nigerian fans before they perform at bigger international events.
“Why don’t we just see it as a marriage that works. Meaning, through the comedians you connect with your immediate audience before the big gigs that gives you big money.”
He added that comedians operate with different financial realities compared with major corporate organisations.
“Comedy shows are different. Comedians are not like the corporate organisations where we have all the money in the world to give to you. And of course for those of you who already understands that.”
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