How Much Were Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy Paid for the Oando Party?

When it comes to African music royalty—Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy—their names are synonymous with chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and sky-high booking fees. Naturally, any event featuring this superstar trio is bound to spark conversations, speculation, and, in some cases, exaggeration. The recent Oando End-of-Year Party 2024 is no exception, with rumors flying about the staggering amounts allegedly paid to secure their performances.

Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy. These global superstars are not just artists; they are cultural icons, and their performances don’t come cheap. Oando PLC’s End-of-Year Party 2024 was the talk of the town, featuring this dream lineup. But the burning question is: how much did Oando pay to secure these heavyweights for their exclusive corporate celebration?

Let’s break it down.

Debunking the Viral Document

First things first: a viral document claiming Wizkid was paid $11 million, Burna Boy $5.5 million, and Davido $700,000 for the Oando party has been making the rounds online. Let’s set the record straight—it’s fake. Entertainment insiders and booking experts know that such figures are implausible, especially for performances in Nigeria. While it’s true that all three artists command hefty fees, these exaggerated numbers seem to be part of an ongoing fan rivalry.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time such claims have surfaced. Just last week, rumors circulated that Davido was paid $10 million to perform at an Indian wedding. That, too, was debunked as false. While their global appeal makes them high-earners, these kinds of sums are reserved for elite acts performing at ultra-exclusive, international events—not local corporate parties.

The Reality of Booking Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy

As industry insiders know, booking fees for Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy typically fall within the $1 million range for major international events. Wizkid set the precedent for high-profile booking fees when he became the first Nigerian artist to earn $1 million per show. Burna Boy and Davido followed suit, with all three now commanding similar fees for global concerts, festivals, and private gigs in high-income regions.

However, securing these artists for an event in Nigeria is a different ballgame. The economics of the Nigerian market, even for a corporate giant like Oando, make it nearly impossible to justify paying $1 million to each artist. Based on standard industry practices, their actual fees for the Oando End-of-Year Party likely ranged between $200,000 and $300,000 per artist—a far cry from the viral figures.

Why $1 Million Isn’t Feasible in Nigeria

Let’s break it down: paying $1 million per artist would mean allocating over ₦2.7 billion just for performances. Add production costs, logistics, security, and other expenses, and the total budget becomes unsustainable, even for a company of Oando’s caliber. Nigerian corporate events typically operate within more realistic budgets, balancing prestige with practicality.

Moreover, the Nigerian entertainment industry operates on a different scale compared to international markets like the U.S., Europe, or the Middle East, where artists can command $1 million or more for a single show. Even the most lucrative Nigerian events rarely cross the $500,000-per-artist threshold.

Fan Rivalry and Fake News

The exaggeration in the document seems to be rooted in fan wars, particularly between Wizkid FC and 30BG (Davido’s fanbase). Over the years, these rival factions have engaged in playful but sometimes misleading one-upmanship, often amplifying rumors to hype their favorite artists. The fake Oando payment figures are likely an attempt by Wizkid fans to mock Davido, especially after the false $10 million Indian wedding story.

The Real Winners? The Artists and Their Legacy

Regardless of the actual fees, having Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy on the same stage is a win for Oando and their guests. These three are Africa’s biggest musical exports, and their performances are worth every penny. Their presence alone elevates any event to global status, showcasing the power and influence of Nigerian music.

In Conclusion

While the exact figures paid to Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy for the Oando party remain undisclosed, claims of $11 million, $5.5 million, and $700,000 are entirely baseless. Realistically, their fees were likely within the $200,000–$300,000 range—still a show to their unmatched star power.

The takeaway? Whether performing in Nigeria or on the world stage, these three artists continue to redefine African music, proving that their talent and influence are worth every dollar—just not $11 million for a Lagos corporate gig.