SA stars overcharge

Johannesburg – Thirty minutes with Steve Hofmeyr wil cost you R44 000.

And if you think Steve is expensive – the sokkie-king Kurt Darren and the rapper Jack Parow will charge you R50 000 for a 30 minute performance.

The Parlotones? R300 000 for half an hour!

Rapport has made some inquiries about how much money some of South Africa's top artists charge for their performances. The artists were asked to quote for a performance of 30 minutes at a corporate function with about 550 guests.

The media

With regards to other artists, Juanita de Plessis charges R35 000, Bok van Blerk R30 000, Snotkop R27 000 and Lianie May R22 000.

The group Freshlyground charges R90 000. The fact that they sang the 2010 World Cup anthem Waka Waka with Shakira has elevated their profile, according to experts.

And all the above quotes exclude accommodation, transport and meals – which the client often has to pay as well.

Music expert Ann Toerien says the media often contributes to the performance fee artists charge.

"For two years Jack Parow struggled to make a living. But thanks to all the attention the media gave him, he can now charge R50 000 a show," says Toerien.

Absurd

Die Antwoord also charge R50 000 if they have to perform on short notice.

Music promoter Louis van Wyk says: "There are artists that charge a lot of money, but they naturally draw the crowds to justify it and have the CD sales and status to go with it."

Alishia van Deventer of Storm Rekordz says it's "absurd" that so-called A-list artists arrive at an event, charges R45 000 and then they just sing with a backtrack.

The masses

According to Mr Attie van Wyk of Big Concerts, the picture looks very different overseas. Superstars like Whitney Houston, Michael Bublé and Kelly Clarkson charge between R3.5m and R21m to perform at a corporate event.

"When these artists come to South Africa they charge a bit less and there are millionaires that constantly invite artists to sing on their boats for example," says van Wyk.

"“Artists that don't do private shows are for example Madonna, the Rolling Stones and U2.

"They do the big concerts, because they draw the masses."