In today’s entertainment industry, the definition of “success” has become increasingly tied to image rather than stability. We see it almost every week — a new music video drops, costing tens of thousands of dollars, featuring luxury cars, designer clothes, rented mansions, and champagne-filled scenes. The fans applaud. The video trends. But behind the scenes, the artist may be returning to a rented apartment, a borrowed car, or even a home shared with family members because they don’t yet own property of their own.
This is not an isolated story. It is
a growing trend in East African entertainment — and a dangerous one. As an
entertainment journalist who has spent years studying the industry, I have seen
the real cost of chasing applause: artists investing heavily in what looks
rich, while living without financial security.
The
Illusion of Wealth in Entertainment
The modern entertainment economy
thrives on perception.
Fans want to believe their favorite artist is living a dream life — and artists
feel the pressure to deliver that illusion. The result? Huge amounts of money
are poured into music videos designed to go viral.
A single high-budget video can cost
anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 in East Africa — when you add production crews,
location fees, wardrobe, styling, and post-production effects. That’s enough to
buy a plot of land in many cities, or at least make a down payment on a home.
But many artists don’t see the video
as a financial risk. They see it as a “career investment.” They hope that the
video will bring more bookings, more streams, and more brand endorsements. And
sometimes it works. But when it doesn’t, the money is gone — and so is the
opportunity to invest in long-term stability.
The
Silent Struggle Behind the Glamour
We rarely talk about what happens
when the cameras stop rolling.
Some of the same artists we cheer for on YouTube live under constant financial
stress. They may owe debts to video directors, stylists, or equipment rental
companies. They may be late on rent. They may have no savings for emergencies.
And yet, when fans meet them in
public, they still expect them to look glamorous and “successful.” The pressure
to maintain that image can lead artists into a cycle of borrowing money,
signing unfair deals, or relying on friends and family to cover daily expenses
— just so they can keep up appearances.
This is not just about bad money
management. It’s about an industry culture that rewards showmanship over
sustainability.
Why
Owning a Home Matters for Artists?
In most professions, people
understand the value of owning a home. It offers security, stability, and peace
of mind. For artists, it’s even more critical. The entertainment industry is
unpredictable — one year you could be in demand, and the next year, bookings
could drop by half.
When an artist has a home, they have
a foundation to fall back on during slow seasons. It also gives them the mental
space to create freely, without the constant stress of wondering how to pay
rent.
Unfortunately, too many artists in
East Africa are approaching their 30s or 40s with no property, no savings, and
no retirement plan — despite having released dozens of songs and music videos.
How
This Culture Took Root
This problem didn’t appear
overnight.
Part of it comes from the influence of Western music videos, where rappers and
pop stars show off supercars, penthouses, and private jets. What fans often
forget is that many of those artists do have the financial foundation to
support that lifestyle — or they have massive record label funding and brand
partnerships.
In East Africa, most artists work
independently or with small labels. They don’t have the same financial backing,
but they try to match the same level of visual grandeur. The result is an
expensive imitation of a lifestyle that isn’t yet real — and often can’t be
sustained.
Breaking
the Cycle: Practical Steps for Artists
If East African artists want to
achieve long-term success, the focus must shift from “look rich” to “be
stable.” Here are some practical changes that could make a difference:
1.
Set a Financial
Plan for Every Project
Before shooting a video, calculate exactly how much you can afford without
touching money that should go into savings or investments.
2.
Prioritize
Property Over Props
Owning a home or land should come before renting a Lamborghini for a video
shoot. A luxury car scene lasts for 4 seconds; a home lasts for a lifetime.
3.
Negotiate Creative
Solutions
Great videos don’t have to cost millions. Creativity, storytelling, and strong
concepts often outshine raw budget.
4.
Get
Professional Financial Advice
Work with a trusted advisor who understands both entertainment and personal
finance.
5.
Educate Younger
Artists
Share your mistakes and lessons with upcoming talent so the cycle doesn’t
repeat.
Final
Word: Respect the Artist, But Respect the Future Too
As fans, we must stop measuring an
artist’s worth by the luxury brands in their music videos. We need to value
authenticity, creativity, and sustainability.
And as artists, you must understand
that the applause fades, but the bills remain. The music video will trend for a
week, but your need for shelter is forever.
Real success in entertainment is not
just about being seen — it’s about being secure. It’s time we encouraged our
celebrities to invest in the kind of wealth that can’t be washed away by the
next viral trend.
Because the greatest stage you can
stand on is not in a rented mansion — it’s in the comfort of your own home.
Written By Sibomana Emmanuel — Entertainment Journalist
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