BY Issah Olegor
Ghanaian rapper Medikal has opened up about the economics of his music career, revealing that he charges as much as GH¢1 million per performance while raising concerns about the state of royalty payments in Ghana.
In an interview with BBC shared on April 17, 2026, the artist explained that although his standard booking fee can reach GH¢1 million, it often depends on negotiations with event organisers.
“When I perform at a show, I charge GH¢1 million. Sometimes they can’t afford it, so we negotiate to around GH¢500,000. People think we’re bragging when we say these things, but it depends on how the industry is structured,” he said.
Beyond performance earnings, Medikal used the platform to highlight what he described as systemic challenges within the music industry.
According to him, the current structure makes it difficult for artists to recover the investments they make into production, promotion, and branding.
He specifically criticised the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), arguing that royalty payouts to artists remain extremely low when compared to global standards.
“If an organisation like GHAMRO pays an artist about GH¢120, which is roughly $10, while in places like America a single song can earn millions and sustain an artist for years, then you can clearly see the difference. Our system isn’t solid,” he stated.
The rapper also reflected on his personal journey, acknowledging the influence of Shatta Wale in shaping both his career and business mind-set.
He credited the dancehall star for mentoring him and helping him understand how to navigate the industry beyond just making music.
“He’s a great person, and what he does has a real impact, not just on society but on people like me. The way he guides me and teaches me how to handle the business is part of why I am where I am today,” he added.
