“Don’t drop a song if you don’t have $45,000” — Darkoo on music industry costs

Nigerian-British singer Darkoo has sparked conversations after shedding light on the high financial demands artists face when releasing new music.

Speaking candidly, the artist revealed that putting out a single can cost as much as $45,000, a figure she equates to roughly ₦60 million. The statement has since resonated with many upcoming musicians struggling to break into the industry.

“If an artist doesn’t have $45,000 (about ₦60 million ), you can’t even drop a song ,” Darkoo said.

She went on to explain how the costs quickly add up across different aspects of production and promotion. According to her, a significant portion of the budget is allocated to visuals and marketing efforts.

“You’ll spend $15,000 on the  music video, $20,000 on marketing and promotion, plus money for Twitter influencers and bloggers in different countries ,” she added.

Darkoo’s remarks noted the increasing commercialization of the music industry, where beyond talent, substantial financial investment is often required to achieve visibility and success.

Her comments have ignited discussions about accessibility in the industry and the challenges faced by independent and emerging artists trying to compete on a global stage.