Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Ayodeji Richard Makun, popularly known as AY Comedian, has revealed that some Nigerian musicians now demand fees of up to N200 million to perform at his popular comedy show, AY Live.
AY made the revelation in a video shared on Instagram while discussing the changing economics of organising entertainment events in Nigeria.
According to the comedian, the rising cost of booking major music artists has become increasingly difficult to accommodate within the budget of a comedy-focused show.
He said some musicians now quote fees of N200 million, N120 million and N80 million for appearances at AY Live.
AY Makun speaks on rising performance fees
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Reflecting on the history of AY Live, AY said several of Nigeria’s biggest music stars have performed at the show over the years.
He mentioned Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, 9ice and Portable among the artists who have appeared at different editions.
AY explained that some of the earlier collaborations were made possible through personal relationships and friendship.
According to him, artists were previously willing to accept reasonable payments mainly to cover their logistics and expenses.
However, he said the situation has changed significantly as the Nigerian entertainment industry has grown.
He said:
“Those days, many appearances were made possible through friendship. An artiste would accept any reasonable amount to cover their logistics, but today, the Nigerian musicians charge N200 million, N120 million, N80 million to appear on my show.”
The comedian’s comments highlight how dramatically performance fees can change as artists become more established and demand for their services increases.
“Let comedy be enough”
AY also questioned the expectation that major comedy shows must feature several popular musicians to attract audiences.
He argued that people who purchase tickets for comedy events should primarily expect comedy and entertainment from comedians.
According to him, a comedy show should not necessarily be judged by the number of musicians appearing on its lineup.
“Dear Nigerians, if you buy a ticket to a comedy show, the primary promise is laughter,” AY said.
He compared the situation with music concerts, noting that audiences do not normally attend a music concert expecting comedians to be included as a requirement.
The comedian also pointed out that he has previously appeared at concerts organised by Nigerian musicians without charging a performance fee.
AY says comedians also need sustainable shows
While discussing the rising fees, AY was careful to acknowledge the value of Nigerian musicians and their right to charge according to their market value.
He said musicians “deserve to charge what their craft commands,” but argued that comedians and comedy promoters must equally be able to operate sustainable businesses.
AY said promoters could continue booking musicians when the numbers make financial sense for their events.
“We can have them if their numbers add up to our new economic realities,” he said.
His comments suggest that the increasing cost of entertainment production is forcing promoters to reconsider how they structure comedy shows and allocate their budgets.
Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy among past performers
AY Live has traditionally combined stand-up comedy with music performances, creating a format that brings together comedians and some of Nigeria’s biggest musical acts.
Over the years, the show has featured major names from the Nigerian entertainment industry.
AY specifically recalled appearances by Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, 9ice and Portable.
Their involvement helped establish AY Live as a major entertainment platform where comedy and music could share the same stage.
However, AY now believes the economics of maintaining such lineups have changed.
Rather than continuing to spend heavily on music performances simply because they are expected, he suggested that comedy promoters should be allowed to focus on the core attraction of their shows.
The changing economics of Nigerian entertainment
AY’s comments come as Nigerian entertainment businesses continue to navigate increasing production costs.
For event organisers, expenses can include venue hire, equipment, logistics, security, marketing, production crews and artist fees.
When the fee for a single headline performer reaches tens or hundreds of millions of naira, it can significantly affect the financial structure of an event.
AY’s argument is that promoters must therefore consider whether the cost of securing musicians can be recovered through ticket sales and other revenue sources.
His comments have sparked conversations about the value of celebrity appearances and whether music performances have become an expected part of comedy events.
“Maybe it is time”
AY concluded his message by suggesting that the industry may need to rethink how comedy shows are promoted.
“Maybe it is time we stopped measuring the value of a comedy show by the number of musicians on the bill. Let comedy be enough.”
The statement has generated discussion among entertainment followers, with AY’s comments drawing attention to the relationship between comedians, musicians and event promoters.
AY Live remains one of AY Makun’s most recognisable entertainment projects, having featured comedy and music since its launch.
As artist fees continue to evolve, AY’s comments could add to a wider conversation about how Nigerian entertainment events can remain commercially sustainable while fairly compensating performers.
