Ridiculous yet professional: Rate cards and demands of local artistes to perform at an event

Diamond Last year, Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz raised the performance rate card stakes to a new level when he stated that it would cost approximately Sh4 million to host him for a concert in Kenya.

In addition, to get him to Kenya for a performance, you are expected to fly him in — after paying for two first class and seven economy class air tickets — for his team of nine.

Upon arrival, you must provide them with private cars for the duration of their stay, plus accommodation in a presidential suite and four extra double rooms and one single one, for his team. His new technical rider demands that you provide him with two wireless Sure Brand microphones, pioneer DJ mix machines with two decks and another microphone, a glass stage with trussing and decorated with LED tights with moving heads.

 The backstage should be well equipped with air conditioning and six personnel, four being security, one waitress, and one representative from the organisers’ side, water, juices, and snacks. “Please avoid bacon or any form of pork-based meals,” the card warns.

The performance fee alone stands at Sh2.3 million, and the rates go up by Sh440,000 for anyone who has not booked in advance. All that for a two-hour performance during which no video shooting should be allowed unless there is a special arrangement. Other artistes borrowed a leaf and followed suit some with outrageous demands, others not so much.

DNG, Shaffie, Jalang’o, Eric Omondi and Obina DNG has raised his emceeing rate by Sh100,000 to Sh300,000 per night and standardised the rate for both corporate and concert events. He also needs to have prior knowledge of who the suppliers at the event are. “There are some suppliers I cannot work with as they have history of shady delivery,” says DNG. You still need to organise - in cash - for a 50 per cent down payment with the remaining amount payable at least a week before the event, otherwise you risk DNG being a no-show, despite retaining all monies paid.

 The organiser has to provide him with a Beta 58A Cordless Microphone, new energizer batteries and four bottles of lukewarm water- either Dasani, Keringet or Kilimanjaro. If the event is out of town, the preferred mode of transport is by air, strictly Kenya Airways – as he is that patriotic – unless the airline does not ply the route in question. Accommodation has to be in a five star hotel.

“The demands may seem outrageous, but they are there to safeguard our interests,” he explains. “It is a level of professionalism that one needs to get to before they make certain demands,” he notes. This is unlike his fellow MC, Shaffie Weru whose rate stands at an average of Sh80,000, and his only demands are all access passes for him and his entourage as well bottles of Jack Daniels.

Comedian Obina ike Igwee’s rate is Sh100,000. He says that he only makes demands once he is sure he has the event. Radio host and comedian Jalang’o rakes in no less than Sh200,000 for an event, regardless of how long it runs.

Size 8 and Avril It has been barely four years since secular star turned gospel ace Size 8 Reborn would fly to the Coast to hustle for a Sh30,000 show. Now, she asks for Sh200,000 for a playback, corporate performance. A live band corporate performance would cost Sh100,000 more, while an ordinary show would cost at least Sh150,000. Aside from that, she performs at charity events to support causes she believes in, especially those in line with supporting the girl child. Her basic technical rider is personal security.

“As a female artiste, you should look out for your own safety,” she says. She also adds that it is for this same reason that she is always is in the company of at least two bodyguards whenever she is traveling. “I have also taken it upon myself to have a personal bodyguard in every county I perform in,” she says. Apart from that, she requires that the sound be of good quality. She will not dare book into a hotel that has not been fully paid for.

“In fact, I prefer being paid all the cash upfront so as to cater for my own expenses,” adds the Jemedari singer. Songstress Avril asks for between Sh60,000 and Sh80,000; 50 per cent to be paid upfront and the rest before the show. Other than that, she will show up with her own means of transport and work with the equipment that you have.

H_Art the band The same criteria employed by Size 8 Reborn is adopted by this Afro-fusion band; an acoustic performance, which includes a performance with a guitar and three mics as the only accompaniments costs much less than a full band performance with includes bass, drums and keys.

 Once the basics of food, accommodation and travel expenses have been taken care of, they are good to go. “’Si poa kumea pembe (It is not good to be arrogant),” says Mordecai Mwini, a member of Hart the Band, when probed about why the band has no demands beyond the basics. He further insists that outrageous demands are for artistes who have not mastered their craft and use the demands to attract attention to themselves.

Mejja and Madtraxx While DNG prefers cash payments, Mejja, he of the Okwonkwo fame, only takes cheques. Similarly, he will not set foot in a hotel if it is not fully paid for especially when dealing with new clients. As long as food, accommodation and travel expenses are taken care of, Madtraxx will charge the client depending on his ability to pay, the length of time he is expected to perform and the nature of his performance; whether live or playback. His rates are negotiable.

Hopekid The gospel, dancehall artiste has set a flat rate of Sh300,000 for any corporate event. Seventy five per cent of the amount is paid prior to the event and the remaining on arrival at the venue. His demands include a Shure cordless mic that weighs at least 1.5kgs.

“The weight of the mic is important. I hate lightweight mics,” says Hopekid. For patriotic reasons, he will not step on the stage before the DJ has played the national anthem. There is no convincing him to perform before the anthem is played. His choice of water is Dasani for it is the only brand trusts. “I am my own hype-man and I don’t do dancers. Therefore, I do not entertain anyone on stage during my performance,” he points out.

“I do not hang out backstage. I prefer staying in my car until I am called upon to perform. Transport is by flight for performances outside town but he does not mind paying for his own ticket.

Kristoff For hip-hop artiste Kristoff, the minimum he will accept for a corporate event is Sh350,000 and Sh100,000 for ordinary performances. The length of time he is will be stage will depend on how good the negotiation skills of the organisers are. He asks to be paid 70 per cent of the total sum upfront and the balance before he steps on stage.

Victoria Kimani Rap queen Victoria Kimani says that with the rapidly changing entertainment scene, having a rate card would only tie her hands. She therefore prefers to charge her clients depending on the prevailing market situation. Whatever the amount that is agreed on, half of the amount is to be paid before the performance and the other half on arrival at the said event.

Prior to performance, with a competent sound manager,she will do a recce visit to the site to ensure that the sound is up to scratch. Her demands include availability of water. While she may not be keen on any brand, tap water is a definite no-no. Besides that, backstage must be clear of unauthorised personnel, because she needs to focus before she hits the stage.

Spin Cycle DJs Spin Cycle’s operations manager stated that to host any of the Spin Cycle DJs for a corporate event, you will need to part with not less than Sh300,000.

Half of the money is paid on signing of the contract and the remaining amount before stepping on stage. In addition, if the event is outside Nairobi you will have to take care of food, accommodation and travel expenses for the crew that consists of not less than two persons at any given time.

Jaguar The One Centimetre singer will not take less than Sh300,000 for a local show, Sh3 million for regional concerts and up to Sh5 million for international shows.