Ever wondered how much Kenyan entertainers demand in order to thrill you during events? Wonder no more.
Artistes’ requirements and rate cards vary depending on their demand, with Sauti Sol emerging as the highest paid.
Here’s a list of how much some Kenyan acts earn from gigs as reported by Pulse Magazine.
Sauti Sol – Between Sh800,000 to Sh5 million
Arguably the most popular boy-band in the region, Sauti Sol has also bagged a number of prestigious awards, among them the MTV Africa Music Awards.
They are one of the best-packaged groups around and they have different managers who play different roles in running their affairs.
For local shows, they charge about Sh800,000 for an ordinary concert although the amount differs depending on client and distance.
For events outside the country, they are said to charge between Sh3 million and Sh5 million, this is before factoring other demands they might have on the rate card.
King Kaka – Sh250,000
The high-flying rapper is one of the most business-minded artistes and in the country. He can reportedly open negotiations for a fee somewhere around Sh250,000 for a roadshow. You might have to part with Sh100,000 to Sh150,000 if you want him for a school gig.
Avril – Between Sh150,000 and Sh250,000
One of the more popular Kenyan songbirds, Avril too charges in the 150K to 250K region. For a concert around the city then her bill will be Sh250,000 and if you want to take her for a road show then Sh150,000 will do.
Timmy T-Dat – Sh250,000
The Kasabun-bred continues to divide opinion among fans over his music content but he is one of the most sought-after artistes right now.
Being the hyped entertainer he is, Timmy commands a fee of Sh250,000 for an ordinary concert and Sh150,000 for a road trip.
Prezzo – Sh100,000
The self-proclaimed President might be one of the most extravagant artistes in town but he has been away from the game for a while. He is on a comeback having done at least three collabo’s since June last year.
To get CMB Prezzo to perform in the city, you might have to part with between Sh80,000 to Sh100,000 and the amounts increase as you get him out of the city.
However, speaking to Pulse, the My City My Town rapper says he can’t disappoint his fans simply because a promoter can’t afford to pay for the amount, and that is why he has been doing many free shows.
Otile – Sh150,000
He once claimed that he is the highest paid musician in Kenya, but no one believed him? The mellow R&B musician isn’t anywhere near the top guns who reap big from music.
Word has it that he recently performed for free at an entertainment joint but to look good on the business side of life he is said to ask for an amount not higher than Sh150,000.
Gabu – Sh100,000
The only visible member of P-Unit has been busy putting music out there and doing shows. He has been working hard to stay afloat and ahead of the competition.
If you want to see the ‘Bugubugu’ vibe in your club around Nairobi and a corporate event then you will have to part with Sh100,000 for a one-hour performance and double the amount outside the city.
The aforementioned rates are for playback. If you want him to perform with a band then the price might go higher, depending with the location.
Mercy Masika
The queen of the gospel industry has no fixed prices for shows. The rates depend on the needs of the client but she doesn’t come cheap.
She can perform with a live band, dancers, choir, playback and can even have skits on stage performed by her crew. The talented gospel queen sometimes even ministers for free but on average, Sh150,000 works well with her for a show.
Bahati – Sh500,000
The CEO of EMB Records can definitely pull a crowd which makes him one of the more expensive acts in the country.
For corporate events, he asks for Sh500,000 and Sh300,000 for concerts around the capital.
Willy Paul – Sh250,000
The most controversial musician to ever emerge from the 254 has a cultic following. Over the weekend, while on a media tour in Tanzania, he claimed that he had conquered the Kenyan market and it is no longer of help to him.
He is also said to be slowly shifting from gospel to secular. Word has it that he charges Sh250,000 for a concert. For corporates, the amounts are higher.
H_Art the Band – Sh200,000
Another top earner in the list, the boyband is poised to follow in the footsteps of Sauti Sol. They deliver electrifying performances and thus charge Sh150,000 – with a half band. If you want a full band then the bill is at Sh150,000 in Nairobi and Sh200,000 outside the city.
