Nonini, a US-based genge performer, rejected a $500 Madaraka Festival performance fee offer because he felt it was disrespectful.
Nonini claims he began touring the US in 2005 and has never received such a sum.
Over the years, not even the smaller events have charged a $500 entry fee.
The Manzi wa Nairobi rapper declined the $500 performance fee for this reason: “I started touring the US from 2005! I have toured literally in every state and did memorable concerts! In the many years I have toured we have done some huge concerts from Thanksgiving, Memorial Weekend, LA Rugby and many other concerts some small and some massive.
In the many years I have done tours not even the most struggling promoter or new guy trying to do gigs has ever offered to pay me $500 for a show. So my US fans you will see me soon enough but this @madarakafestival I politely declined it’s a No for me” wrote Nonini partly.
Following Nonini’s revelation on the peanut payment, many of his fans shared their views on the commentary.
We sampled a few below.
“Man, Even in Kenya the rate card is presenty on the upwards of $2000. Tell the dude heshima idumu”
“It’s not being proud…call it class, you deserve a better package”
“Know your value, these promoters have been misusing artists for a long time now”
The tour would have seen Nonini stage performances in 10 states in the year 2024 from May 24th to June 9th.
The states are Boston, New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas among others.