Senegalese-American singer Akon has stated that the luxury lifestyles some musicians flaunt on social media often mask financial instability, with artists typically earning less than industry executives.
In an interview with Hip Hop Eye, Akon said artists are typically the last to be paid despite being the most famous figures in the business.
He said the flamboyant aesthetics and luxurious lifestyles seen in music videos and online posts do not reflect the financial reality for many artists.
According to Akon, the most lucrative roles in music are behind the scenes, including producers, songwriters, managers, agents and attorneys.
He advised those seeking financial stability to pursue those sectors rather than a career as a performing artist.
“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.
“But if you want to make real money go to other sectors of music business, like the producer, songwriter, manager, agent and attorney. There are so many areas in the entertainment field that you can really maximise,” he said.
