In October 2022, Akon made a statement during an interview with Jen DeLeon TV that sparked strong reactions across the music industry.
He said:
“Artists are broke, they are just famous. They are the last to get paid.”
His point focused on how money flows in the music business and why many successful artists still struggle financially despite global fame.
What did Akon mean by “artists are broke, they are just famous”?
Akon was talking about how earnings are shared in the music industry.
Artists usually receive payment after multiple parties have taken their share from a song or project. These include record labels, managers, distributors, lawyers, and publishers.
By the time the money reaches the artist, a large portion has already been deducted.
This is why Akon said many artists are known worldwide but may not be financially stable.
Why do artists get paid last in the music industry?
In most traditional music deals, artists sit at the end of the payment chain.
- Record labels recover advances and marketing costs first
- Managers and agents take commission percentages
- Producers and collaborators receive their agreed payments
- Publishing and songwriting splits are deducted
- Streaming and distribution platforms also take their share
After all these deductions, the artist’s earnings can become much smaller than expected.
What music roles make more consistent money?
Akon suggested that people who want steady income in the music industry should consider other roles.
He mentioned:
- Music producers
- Songwriters
- Managers
- Agents
- Entertainment lawyers
These roles often earn from multiple artists or take percentages from several deals, which can lead to more stable income than relying only on being an artist.
Is it easier to become an artist today?
Akon pointed out that music creation is now more accessible than ever.
With smartphones, home studios, and streaming platforms, almost anyone can release music.
This has led to:
- More competition in the music space
- Difficulty standing out financially
- Shorter attention span from listeners
Even talented artists can struggle to convert popularity into long-term income.
Akon’s experience in the music industry
Akon is a five-time Grammy-nominated artist who has sold over 35 million albums worldwide.
He has also spoken about starting his career with a very small advance and learning early how the industry works financially.
Over time, he expanded into business ventures beyond music, including investments and large-scale projects such as Akon City and natural resources.
How this relates to Afrobeats artists
In Afrobeats, artists from Nigeria and across Africa have gained global recognition, but the business structure remains similar.
- Streaming revenue is split across multiple stakeholders
- Label agreements affect long-term earnings
- Publishing and songwriting rights play a major role
- Brand deals and touring often generate higher income than streaming
This is why many Afrobeats artists now focus more on ownership and business partnerships.
Why Akon’s statement still matters
The quote continues to attract attention because it highlights a common reality in the music industry.
Fame can come quickly, but financial stability often depends on contracts, ownership, and business decisions behind the scenes.
Akon’s message remains relevant across global music markets, including Afrobeats.
Related: Akon Opens Up on Developing Afrobeats, Signing Wizkid, and Working With P-Square
Reported by Anything Celebrity – Nigeria’s hub for entertainment gist and celebrity updates.
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