With artistes and music stakeholders often complaining that streaming does not generate as much money as the old days of selling CDs, South African rapper Nasty C has reaffirmed that the streaming system has devalued music.
In an interview on Okay FM, the South African rapper explained that as an independent artiste, most of his income comes from touring.
He said it is no longer like the era when CDs were sold hand-to-hand and artistes received cash directly. According to him, about 3,000 streams may be worth only as much as one CD sale.
Sarkodie not part of my top three Ghanaian rappers – Nasty C
Nasty C noted that he earns more from touring, selling merchandise and finding other creative means, not from streaming.
“Most of my money comes from touring, not streams. The streaming thing has devalued the music. It takes about 3,000 streams to amount to one CD sale. You see your money when you tour, when you sell merch, you’ve got to be creative,” he said.
He also added that touring with a full team makes booking him expensive, as he usually travels with seven to eight people, including management, security and his camera crew. He stressed that he has bills to pay, so he cannot charge low fees.
“It’s not easy. I’ve been here for too long; it can’t be easy. I can’t be cheap, I’ve got bills to pay,” he noted.
Nasty C further shared interest in working with Ghanaian artistes Black Sherif and Gyakie, saying he has already spoken to Black Sherif but is yet to meet Gyakie.
“I wish I had a song with Blacko and Gyakie. I’m going to make it happen. I haven’t met Gyakie yet, but I’ve spoken to Blacko,” he added.
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