Phenom Claims Burna Boy Received $5 Million to Sign with Atlantic Records in 2017
In a recent interview on The Yarns podcast, Nigerian rapper Phenom made a startling revelation about the alleged amount Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy was paid by Atlantic Records to sign with the international label in 2017.
Phenom, known for his hit track “Murder Dem,” delved into various topics during the interview, shedding light on the music industry’s dynamics. When questioned about his potential return to the studio, Phenom candidly expressed that financial incentives would be the primary motivation for him to resume rapping.
He stated, “If you really want someone like me to rap, give me $1 million. Lock me up in the studio. Those rapping in America, they [music executives] give them big contracts. Even before Burna Boy made a comeback to music, the guy that gave him the connection to Atlantic Records [Matthew ‘Baus’ Adesuyan], they gave him [Burna Boy] $5 million when he was coming back.”
Phenom attributed the deal to Nigerian-American music executive Matthew ‘Baus’ Adesuyan, the owner of Bad Habit, a mini-label under Atlantic Records. The rapper’s revelation provides insight into the financial dynamics and advances associated with major international record deals.
Drawing parallels, Phenom used Odumodublvck as an example, suggesting that artists might alter their musical styles in response to financial considerations. He explained, “If someone like Odumodublvck is given $100,000 advance by his label, he will have to drop rap, start singing and enter TikTok to make it back for the label.”
This revelation renews discussions about the challenges faced by Nigerian rap artists, raising questions about the genre’s viability and the motivations behind artists shifting their musical styles.
