Popular Nigerian rapper Phenom recently disclosed that Grammy award-winning artist Burna Boy was reportedly paid $5 million by the international label Atlantic Records back in 2017.
Phenom, during a podcast interview on The Yarns, claimed that the deal was facilitated by Nigerian-American music executive Matthew ‘Baus’ Adesuyan of Atlantic Records’ mini label, Bad Habit.
The revelation emerged as Phenom discussed his potential return to the studio, emphasizing that financial incentives, like a $1 million offer, would be his main motivation. He highlighted the substantial contracts American rappers receive, citing Burna Boy’s alleged $5 million advance even before his music comeback.
Phenom further illustrated the influence of financial considerations on artists by referencing Odumodublvck, suggesting that a significant advance could lead to a change in musical style, such as shifting from rap to singing and TikTok engagement to meet label expectations.
This interview raises questions about the overall benefits of the rap genre for Nigerian artists and whether the perceived lack of advantages contributes to frequent stylistic changes among these artists.
“If someone like Odumodublvck is given $100,000 advance by his label, he will have to drop rap, start singing and enter Tiktok to make it back it for the label”
– Penom pic.twitter.com/x8rEyMA7ho
— BASITO (@itzbasito) November 27, 2023