Below is a cross-section of some Cameroonian musicians, who have been getting paid for their hardwork over the years. Even if they’re not sometimes getting as much as they deserve, it’s encouraging to see that most of them are leading by example.
This write-up would probably sound cliché to a host of people, but following our update about rapper Ko-c’s latest deal with #Ballantine’s whiskey brand, which he supposedly bagged a 100 Million CFA deal, we discovered that while most people don’t always bother to demand for receipts and proof when artists from other countries are reported to have secured wholesome deals, the narrative automatically switches adversely, when it involves a Cameroonian artist.
For instance, if we said that Diamond Platnumz, who blew up around 2013, has signed a $2 Million endorsement deal with a particular brand, many would rush to congratulate him, without having to wonder or question how true or false the information is. Most often, they will go on to say “when will our own artists start making it big too?”
Fast forward, when their prayers are answered and say a Cameroonian artist like Magasco signs an ambassadorial or endorsement deal with “Reaktor”, assuming he was paid 30 Million CFA a year, there will be a group of fans and doubters who will question the amount paid and still think that this money is too much for the artist, who has been around for over a decade and putting in the work consistently. Be mindful that many artists get paid approximately 30 Million CFA for a 15 mins performance, but then we think the amount is huge for a one year deal for an artist of Magasco’s caliber.
Let it be known today, that artists like Jovi, and Salatiel are not just artists, but are also high profile music producers, who have created viral songs and stars over the years, and have worked with artists like Akon and Beyonce. As faces of Johnnie Walker and Kadji respectively, isn’t it shocking that Cameronians still think 65 Million CFA and 50 Million CFA (rumored), annually are too much money for these names?
Tzy Panchak, Blanche Bailly and Mic Monsta Official have been conferred by Captain Morgan and Chivas Regal respectively… the respective amounts from these deals have never be revealed, but how much would you say these artists were paid to represent these brand? 1 Million CFA yearly?
Considering that most of these artists might charge 5 Million CFA per show, how much do you think they would be earning monthly from a major household brand? 200,000? We play alot!
By this post, we are creating a dialog and also trying to reawaken the sleeping hope and consciousness in our readers, that this is 2023 and not 1990. As a matter of fact, our artists are lagging behind, just like our industry is too.
Many fans still do not believe that Ko-c with five years of music dominance, social media influence and street credibility, can make 100 Million CFA from an endorsement deal. It just says a lot about how fans kill the industry thinking they are building it!
It’s the same Ko-c who made a reported sum of 30 Million CFA from Express Union two years ago. His value since that time has quadrupled and you still expect his price tag to remain the same?
To fans of various artists, very soon, the talk will no longer be about who has a better discography or punchlines alone. It will soon also be about assets and achievements. The ball is rolling.
Let beef not make you devalue your kings and queens in the industry, while devaluing your own music and entertiament industry without noticing.
