Senegalese-American singer Akon has challenged the widespread belief that successful musicians are always wealthy, saying many artists struggle financially despite their fame and glamorous public image.
Speaking during an interview with Hip Hop Eye, the music star explained that although the music industry generates significant revenue, the largest financial rewards often go to professionals working behind the scenes rather than the performers themselves.
According to Akon, artists are often the last beneficiaries of the industry’s earnings structure.
“In the music industry, the artist is the last to get paid. He is the broke one but he is the most famous. If you want to be broke and famous, be the artist,” he said.
The singer advised individuals seeking greater financial success in the entertainment industry to explore other areas of the music business, including production, songwriting, management, talent representation and legal services.
He noted that there are numerous opportunities behind the scenes where professionals can maximise their earnings.
“If you want to make real money, go to other sectors of the music business,” Akon said, adding that many non-performing professionals earn more than the artists who command public attention.
