Lekzy Decomic says comedians earn less than musicians despite improved pay

Ghanaian comedians are earning more than they used to, but their earnings still lag far behind those of musicians, according to Lekzy Decomic. The four-time Stand-Up Comedian of the Year shared that his highest fee to date was GH¢60,000 for a 20-minute performance. Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show, he stated that some musicians could afford to buy a house with a single performance, a goal seemingly unattainable for most comedians in the country.

Lekzy explained that to purchase a budget car like a Vitz, he would likely need to perform multiple shows, even accounting for taxes. Despite living a better life than had he remained a graphic designer, he acknowledged that stand-up comedians in Ghana have a long way to go to match the living standards of their counterparts in other countries. He noted that the industry has improved since five years ago.

Lekzy identified financial constraints and the scarcity of performance venues as his main challenges. With Conference Centre closed and Grand Arena no longer operating, comedians are now relying on National Theatre for shows. He pointed out that private venues are pricey and that the absence of alternatives when popular venues go under renovation exacerbates the issue.

In terms of audience reach, Lekzy noted that only a small fraction of Ghana's population has experienced stand-up comedy. He explained that when GTV was the only television channel, performing on the station guaranteed nationwide exposure. However, the proliferation of entertainment options today means comedians can cultivate a following without necessarily becoming nationwide household names. He quipped that out of a group of ten people, only four might recognize him on the street.