The Nigerian music industry has witnessed an unprecedented success and popularity both locally and globally, thanks to the incredible talent of Nigerian artists. With a unique blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B, Nigerian music has captured the hearts of millions of fans all over the world.
In this article, we’re thrilled to take you on a journey through the top 10 highest-paid artists in Nigeria in 2023. As we explore this list, you will discover that these artists are not only celebrated for their creative talents but are also reaping the rewards of their hard work and determination.
10. Rema 
Rema is an incredibly talented singer who has proven to the world that there is future in Afrobeats. His impressive hit songs have resonated with millions of fans across the globe and taken the Nigerian music industry by storm. His hit song Calm Down has the highest views on YouTube by an African artist with almost 500 million views in less than a year. For international performances, Rema charges a minimum fee of $50,000 per show. On the other hand, he charges as high as ₦10 million for performances within the country. It is clear that Rema’s star power is in high demand, and he is rightfully earning his place among the top-paid artists in Nigeria.
9. Kizz Daniel 
Kizz Daniel is one of the most booked artists in Nigeria. He charges a minimum fee of ₦13 million for performances within Nigeria and $60,000 for performances beyond the borders of Nigeria. This solidifies his position as one of the highest-paid artists in Nigeria. Kizz Daniel’s chart-topping hits, infectious melodies, and energetic performances have earned him a massive fan base and a steady stream of show bookings. As an artist who consistently delivers memorable experiences to his audiences, event organizers are willing to invest generously to secure his presence at their shows.
8. Flavour 
Chinedu Okoli widely recognized by his stage name as Flavour stands out as one of Nigeria’s highest-earning artists. This talented singer charges $70,000 per show in outside the country and charges ₦17 million per show with the country. Flavour has built a solid reputation for his unique musical style, which combines contemporary Afrobeat with traditional highlife rhythms. His captivating performances and soulful voice have garnered a massive following both within Nigeria and beyond. His artistic prowess extends beyond his captivating voice. Through his music, he has become a cultural ambassador, captivating listeners with his heartfelt lyrics and melodic tunes.
7. Yemi Alade 
Yemi Alade is a talented singer and performer who has gained considerable recognition and popularity in Nigeria. Apart from her notable success in Nigeria, Yemi Alade has been able to captivate audiences globally with her energetic performances and infectious music. Her unique style and captivating stage presence have made her a sought-after artist in various parts of the world. Thanks to her international appeal, Yemi Alade charges a minimum fee of $75,000 per performance beyond the borders of Nigeria and within Nigeria she charges ₦18 million per show.
6. Naira Marley 
Naira Marley the CEO of Marlian Records charges a significant fee of at least $80,000 for his performances abroad, demonstrating his international appeal. When it comes to shows within the country, he charges a whopping sum of ₦20 million. These numbers highlight his immense popularity and demand both at home and on the global stage. Access Bank recognized his star power and paid him a staggering sum of 60 million Naira for a remarkable three-day show. This significant paycheck showcases the recognition and financial success that Naira Marley has achieved in his career.
5. Olamide 
Olamide is not only one of Nigeria’s highest-paid artists but also the richest rapper in Nigeria. Olamide has established himself as a major force in the music industry. His hard work and consistency has really paid off. Despite that he barely releases songs anymore, he is still an in-demand artist both nationally and internationally. The indigenous rapper charges a minimum of $100,000 for each performance he delivers outside Nigeria. But within Nigeria, he charges a substantial fee of N25 million per shows. His impressive earnings reflect his immense talent and the widespread popularity in the music industry.
4. Tiwa Savage 
Tiwa Savage is globally recognized as the African Bad Girl. She is currently the highest paid female artist in Nigeria and abroad. Multiple sources indicate that Tiwa Savage commands a minimum fee of $150,000 for each performance outside Nigeria and minimum fee of ₦27 million for shows performance within Nigeria, and she even includes private jet flights when travelling for shows outside of Lagos. Tiwa Savage’s consistent ability to draw large crowds and deliver exceptional live shows has significantly contributed to her commanding such a substantial fee. In 2023, Tiwa Savage made history as the first Nigerian artiste to ever perform at the royal coronation. Her epic performance at King Charles coronation in England blew the world away.
3. Burna Boy 
Burna Boy is a renowned Nigerian artist who has achieved remarkable success and financial prosperity. This African Giant has solidified his position as the third-highest-paid artist in the country, commanding a staggering minimum fee of $200,000 for international performances and ₦30 million for shows performance within Nigeria. Not only that, he also adds an extravagant touch to his shows by demanding a private jet flight, ensuring a luxurious and convenient travel experience. Burna Boy’s impact extends beyond the realm of music. He is a symbol of African pride and a strong advocate for social justice, using his platform to shed light on important issues and drive positive change.
2. Wizkid 
Wizkid holds the top spot as the second highest-paid artist in Nigeria. According to reports, this talented artist charges a minimum fee of $300,000 for each show he performs internationally, but in Nigeria he charges ₦40 million per show. In 2018, he had the honour of being paid a staggering $681,200 to showcase his musical prowess at a royal wedding hosted at the renowned Umaid Bhawan in India. This remarkable feat solidified his position as one of the highest-paid artists in Nigeria. In 2022 Wizkid made the highest income in history of Afrobeats when he was offered an astounding $1 million to be the headline act at the prestigious Rolling Loud festival held in Toronto, Canada. But the surprises didn’t end there. He was then presented with another $1 million paycheck to headline the Let’s Get Free Festival in New York, in the United States of America.
1. Davido 
Davido is the highest earner on Instagram in Nigeria and also the most followed celebrity in Nigeria. Davido is the highest-paid artists in Nigeria in 2023. He charges a minimum fee of N50 Million for each performance within Nigeria. When it comes to international bookings, he goes a step further by offering his services for a price of $400,000, which includes the added luxury of private jet flights. Davido’s rise to prominence in the Nigerian music industry has been nothing short of remarkable. With his captivating performances and chart-topping hits, he has captured the hearts of music enthusiasts across the nation and beyond. This has not only propelled him to the upper echelons of the Nigerian entertainment scene but has also translated into substantial financial success.
Austine Ikeru is a Professional Blogger, YouTuber, Forex Trader and Entrepreneur. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok