Senegalese-American musician Akon has stated that artists in the music industry are often left with little financial reward despite widespread fame. Speaking with Hip Hop Eye, Akon said the structure of the business ensures that music executives, rather than the performers, receive the majority of revenue generated. He described the artist as the last to be paid, calling the typical musician "the broke one but the most famous."
Akon urged aspiring talents to consider roles behind the scenes, such as producer, songwriter, manager, agent or attorney, where he believes greater financial gains can be realised. He maintained that fame alone does not equate to wealth in the entertainment world. "If you want to be broke and famous, be the artist," Akon said. "But if you want to make real money go to other sectors of music business, like the producer, songwriter, manager, agent and attorney. There are so many areas in the entertainment field that you can really maximise."
The comments have reignited discussions about income distribution in the global music industry. Akon, known for hits like "Lonely" and "Smack That," has previously spoken about financial challenges faced by artists. His remarks focus on systemic payment practices rather than individual cases. No specific artists, companies or financial figures were named in the interview.
Akon claims artists are the most famous but the last to be paid, yet he built a career on hit records that enriched others. His advice to avoid being an artist contradicts the very path that made him visible globally. Nigerian musicians who chase fame without business roles may find themselves in the same position he describes. The industry structure he criticises remains unchanged, even as he profits from it.
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