Fast-rising Nigerian artist Gthree Mayami has opened up about the heavy financial demands of building a music career, particularly as an independent artist emerging from Port Harcourt, where access to industry opportunities remains limited compared to Lagos.
Speaking candidly, Gthree Mayami revealed that his team currently has two songs enjoying steady radio airplay, with ₦200,000 invested per track, bringing the total radio promotion cost to ₦400,000. Beyond that, one of the songs is already airing on TV, a move that required another ₦2 million. Altogether, the young artist says he has spent roughly ₦4 million on promotions and production — “and that’s before even stepping on stage.”
He further disclosed that his EP production alone cost $1,000 (about ₦1.4 million), paid to producer Henri Keyz, excluding expenses for featured artists and studio logistics. “When you calculate everything, from promotion to production, it’s clear that we’ve put in a lot. So, any show or performance should at least help us recover some of these costs — otherwise, it’s not sustainable,” he explained.
Gthree Mayami also highlighted the unique challenges that come with being an artist from Port Harcourt. According to him, “The industry here is full of raw talent, but we don’t get the same visibility, platforms, or corporate support that artists in Lagos enjoy. Most of us have to fund everything by ourselves — from studio time to videos, media promotions, and even logistics.”
He added that despite these challenges, Port Harcourt artists continue to push boundaries and represent the South-South region with pride and creativity. “We have the sound, we have the energy, but we need more recognition and support. What people see on stage is just a small part of the struggle behind the scenes.”
Through his statement, Gthree Mayami not only defended his performance fees but also shed light on the financial realities and resilience of Port Harcourt’s creative community — artists who continue to chase their dreams despite the odds stacked against them.
