Nigerian Afrobeats singer Skales has argued that professional footballers earn significantly more than musicians, pointing to the structured financial system in sports compared to the uncertainty in the music industry.
Speaking on The Groovy Mono Show, the ‘Shake Body’ crooner said football offers a more reliable income stream, with players receiving regular salaries and bonuses as long as they remain active.
According to him, financial stability in football is not limited to global stars. He noted that even players who are not widely recognised still benefit from consistent earnings throughout their careers.
Skales contrasted this with the music industry, which he described as highly competitive and unpredictable. He explained that success in music can be short-lived, with artists often struggling to maintain relevance over time.
The singer added that staying visible in the industry is not always within an artist’s control, making long-term financial planning more difficult.
To illustrate his point, Skales shared a personal experience involving a potential endorsement opportunity tied to Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal. He said a brand had considered offering him a high-value jewellery deal originally intended for the player, highlighting the scale of endorsement opportunities available in football.
He further noted that endorsement deals in sports are often accessible even to athletes without global fame, unlike in music where only a select few artists secure lucrative partnerships.
While acknowledging that some Nigerian musicians have achieved major financial success, Skales maintained that many others face inconsistent earnings.
He concluded that professional football presents a more dependable path to financial stability for those who succeed in the field.
