Kidi’s $20,000 Performance Fee – Nana Romeo Criticizes Ghanaian Artists’s High Charges

Ghanaian media personality Nana Romeo has sparked a heated debate over the high performance fees charged by Ghanaian musicians for events, both locally and internationally. In a recent interview with ZionFelix, the popular radio and TV host expressed frustration over how some Ghanaian artists demand exorbitant fees, making it difficult for event organizers to afford their services.

Sharing a real-life experience, Nana Romeo recounted how an event organizer in the UK was interested in booking KiDi for a show on April 19, 2025. When he contacted KiDi’s management, they quoted a $20,000 performance fee, excluding flights and hotel accommodations. This raised concerns about how Ghanaian event organizers, who already deal with venue costs, sound, lighting, and logistics, could manage such steep prices.

He further revealed that another unnamed Ghanaian artist initially quoted $18,000 but later agreed to lower the price to $12,000 which will covered his flight and other travel expenses. Despite the reduction, Nana Romeo still felt that the charges were too high, especially since artists often bring along managers, personal assistants, and crew members, further increasing expenses.

This discussion has reignited the long-standing debate on whether Ghanaians genuinely support their artists. Some argue that musicians who have built strong brands deserve premium fees, while others believe that these high rates discourage local event organizers from booking them.

Comparing Ghana to Nigeria, Nana Romeo pointed out that Nigerian artists thrive due to strong industry support, with investors injecting funds into the music scene. In contrast, he believes Ghanaian artists lack adequate financial backing and, in some cases, face internal sabotage rather than support.

With event organizers struggling to meet these rising financial demands, Nana Romeo warned that Ghanaian artists could soon find it harder to secure international gigs. He predicted that if promoters feel priced out, they might turn to artists from other countries.

Additionally, he noted that the same musicians charging high fees could eventually need promotional support from event organizers when seeking opportunities abroad. If the industry doesn’t address these concerns, he fears Ghanaian music could lose its competitive edge on the global stage.