“One Artist Can Demand ₦200m for a Comedy Show” — AY Comedian Reveals Rising Cost of Booking Nigerian Musicians

Nigerian comedian AY Makun, popularly known as AY Comedian, has revealed the rising cost of featuring top Nigerian musicians at comedy shows, saying some artistes now demand as much as ₦200 million for a performance.

Speaking about the changing relationship between comedians and musicians, AY urged audiences attending comedy shows to focus on the comedy rather than expecting multiple musical performances.

“I want to beg you. If you want to come to a comedy show, just dedicate that you’re coming out to laugh. If you want music, wait for Detty December,” he said.

The comedian clarified that his comments were not intended to criticise Nigerian musicians, explaining that the entertainment industry had changed significantly over the years.

According to AY, comedy shows previously featured musicians through friendships, mutual support and a shared understanding that everyone was building their careers.

He said artistes often accepted modest payments that covered their logistics while offering genuine support to comedy events.

However, he noted that Nigerian musicians had since attained global recognition and developed multiple income streams, including opportunities that pay in foreign currencies.

“Today, the Nigerian musicians are global stars. They’re earning from several other opportunities that come in foreign currencies. So they no longer depend on comedy shows for visibility,” he explained.

AY revealed that booking musicians without a close personal relationship with them could now place significant financial pressure on comedy show organisers.

“You could approach one artist today and they’re asking for 200 million. Even the one wey never blow finish, dey ask for 80 million,” he said.

He further explained that the fee demanded by a single artiste could sometimes consume the entire production budget of a comedy show.

“Sometimes the fee for just one artist, that one artist is asking for, it covers the entire budget of the production,” AY added.