Nigerian singer Qing Madi has described the music industry as extremely lucrative, comparing its earnings to “drug” money while reflecting on her personal experience in the business.
Speaking on an episode of the Tea With Tay podcast, the 19-year-old artist explained that performers can earn in a single show what many Nigerians make over months or even years of traditional employment.
“Music money is not normal, it is like drug money. I don’t think people know how… And I’m not the person who would buy stuff and put on the media because I do think that that would change the narrative of what I am to the media. And I don’t like people looking at me and seeing money. But I am rich.
“The average Nigerian works 9-5 and earns maybe N500,000 at the end of the month, while as an artist, you do one show and get N20 million. Music money is huge,” she said.
Despite the financial success, Qing Madi noted that she prefers to keep a low profile when it comes to displaying wealth, as she does not want it to define her public image.
Qing Madi also reflected on the emotional connection Nigerians have with music, suggesting that its popularity may be linked to limited access to therapy and mental health support in the country. According to her, many people turn to music as a form of healing and escape from everyday challenges.
