”We are not overcharging; people just don’t see the cost behind the music” – Bella Shmurda Explains Why Nigerian Artists Charge High Performance Fees

Nigerian singer, Bella Shmurda, has revealed why many musicians in the country demand high fees for performances, saying the business of music has become extremely costly.

Speaking in a recent interview with Naija FM, Bella broke down the heavy financial commitments behind making music. He disclosed that producing an album alone, including payments to producers, songwriters, and sound engineers, cost him about $100,000 (over ₦100 million), even before factoring in music videos or promotion across radio and TV.

He stressed that when artists charge high rates for shows, it isn’t about luxury or greed, it’s about recovering the huge investments they’ve already made.

Bella also shared that being in the public eye comes with its own price. According to him, he can’t wear the same clothes twice publicly, not because of vanity, but because expectations of fame require maintaining a certain image.

“Making this album, just paying producers alone cost about $100,000. Then I still have to shoot videos, promote the songs on radio, TV, and 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.”