27/01/2025
Does Davido own the private jet he often flies around in? When he’s booked for events, who covers the cost of fueling the private jet—himself or the show promoter/event organizer?
Burna Boy and his immediate team also travel to events and shows on a private jet, while the rest of his over 32 crew members fly first class on a commercial flight to the same event. Upon arrival, they often occupy an entire floor of a 4-star or 5-star hotel in the city.
While we see them living a lavish lifestyle, most of these expenses are covered by show promoters and event organizers, and they are outlined in a document called an artist rider.
What Is an Artist Rider?
An artist rider is a detailed document outlining the specific requirements and conditions an artist expects to be fulfilled before performing at an event. It’s typically attached to the performance contract and serves to ensure the artist’s needs—both professional and personal—are met.
The artist rider can be divided into several sections, with the transportation, hospitality, and technical rider being the most important.
What’s Typically Included in an Artist Rider?
1. Transportation
Specifies how the artist and their team will travel to the event city and venue.
For top-tier artists like Flavour, Wizkid, Davido, or Burna Boy, promoters often provide a chartered jet. If the artist owns a private jet, the promoter is responsible for fueling it, paying the pilot, and covering parking fees during the event.
2. Dressing Room and Hospitality Requirements
Outlines hotel accommodations, dressing room setup, and special requests. This could include luxury suites, specific décor, or even OS for the night.
3. Security
Details the on-ground security arrangements, including personnel to es**rt the artist and secure the event venue.
4. Ground Transportation
Specifies the type of vehicles required for airport transfers and movement within the city. No artist wants to be picked up in an outdated car.
5. Complimentary Passes
Some artists request free passes for their friends, press, or other external individuals.
6. Technical/Stage Setup
The most important part of the rider, detailing the sound equipment, lighting, DJ setup, and other technical requirements. Artists like Burna Boy, Asa, or Flavour have a very strict technical rider due to performance style, there is always a part of the performance contract that can exempt them from performance if the technical requirements on the rider are not fulfilled.
7. Food and Drinks
Artists often have dietary preferences and avoid certain meals before performances. Requests can also include specific drinks, snacks, and even substances to enhance their performance state.
Fireboy DML says Nigerian foods especially jollof rice is included on his rider if he is performing anywhere in the world
Starting from tomorrow till Saturday at 5PM everydayI’ll break down the key sections of an artist rider in detail, one post at a time.
Tag an artist or promoter who needs to learn this! Together, we’ll unlock the secrets to professional event planning and ensure every performance is a win.
Credit...Copied from Obama Naija Pagr