Organisers of the Mombasa Rocks show that was held on Saturday night paid American rhythm and blues singer Chris Brown Sh90 million ($900,000) to perform for 90 minutes.
This is according to a contract obtained by Kenya’s Sunday Nation newspaper.
An agreement prepared by a London-based agency between the artiste and Wale Wasee Limited — the Kenyan promoters — shows that by September 30, Chris Brown had been paid Sh55 million ($550,000), which included Sh20 million “travel buyout” and Sh35 million ($350,000) down payment.
The balance of Sh35 million ($350,000) was paid to Chris Brown upon arrival in the coastal town on Saturday morning.
But Thandi Ojeer of Wale Wasee Ltd disputed the figure. “No, I wish I had that kind of money,” said Ms Thandi.
Pressed to provide the actual figure, the promoter said: “That’s confidential information; it’s like asking someone to reveal their bank balance.” Ms Thandi said Kenyans should focus on the positives of the show and stop dwelling on payments.
Among other things, the agreement required the promoter to provide “first class sound and lights, backline (audio amplification equipment), catering and hospitality, adequate security, private local ground transportation for artiste and travel party for the entire duration of stay”.
That is not all. There were also requirements for luxurious accommodation “consisting of one presidential suite for the artiste, one junior suite for his management, and king singles for travel party, at an artiste approved 5-star hotel.”
“The hotel should be located as close as possible to the concert or rehearsal venue. All bookings and arrangements are to be made in conjunction with and approval of the artiste’s tour manager,” reads the contract in part.
