While many Nigerian artists chase international gigs for the allure of foreign currency and global exposure, Afrobeats superstar Davido says staying local can be even more lucrative.
In a recent interview on an American podcast, the “Unavailable” singer responded to the host’s disappointment over not being able to book him for a summer concert in the US Davido revealed that it’s not always about going abroad sometimes, the biggest paydays are right at home.
“Leaving Nigeria to perform overseas isn’t always worth it,” he explained. “You can be paid $400,000 just to perform at a naming ceremony. It’s like in India people celebrate everything. If you’ve got money, it’s common to hire an artist your wife or kids love to perform live.”
His comments highlight a growing trend among Nigeria’s affluent elite, who now spend extravagantly on private performances at events like weddings, birthday parties, and even baby naming ceremonies. For top-tier artists, the local gig economy can be just as rewarding if not more than global tours.
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