Popular musician and Owambe performer, Segun Johnson, has lifted the veil on a surprising strategy used by some of Nigeria’s top event musicians to rake in millions — without ever charging a performance fee.
Speaking on The Teju Babyface Deep Dive Podcast, Johnson revealed that many high-profile Nigerian musicians who are frequently seen at lavish parties and society events don’t operate with standard rates. Instead, they set a “spray target” — a minimum amount of money they expect to be sprayed with during their performance.
In one stunning example, Johnson recounted how a renowned Owambe artist (whose identity he withheld) told a client:
“If you want me at your party, I must make N50 million that day.”
No fixed booking fee. No formal invoice. Just a clear expectation of what the crowd will deliver.
Johnson went on to explain that for these elite musicians, the real earning potential lies in who attends the event. If the guest list is filled with influential or wealthy individuals known for their generosity, an artist may even perform for free — banking on the prestige and the deep pockets of the audience.
“They know the kind of people who spray,” Johnson said, emphasizing that these musicians prioritize connections and crowd quality over direct payment.
In a moment that has stirred buzz online, Segun also revealed — off-mic — the name of one of these top-tier artists to Teju Babyface, though it wasn’t disclosed in the final podcast clip. His revelations have sparked intrigue and opened up conversations about the unspoken financial dynamics behind Nigeria’s extravagant party scene.
Leave a Comment