Nigerians have been dubbed some of the happiest people in the world. This is supported by a World Happiness Report released in March last year, which put Nigeria in 102nd position in the world.

While this may not be entirely true, Nigerians, as we know them, are a hardworking race who, despite the harsh economic and political environment in which they live, have learned to prioritise their happiness.

They work hard and party hard and, over time, have become really creative with aspects of their events ? food, fashion, decor, etc.

An event can be valued by the quality of food served, the number of guests that turned up, how gaily they were dressed, and the quality of souvenirs shared at the event, in case of a wedding or birthday party.

But times have changed.

An event will be rated ?octane?; not by the indices mentioned earlier, but by the number of celebrities that graced the occasion.

It is why such events are described as ?star-studded?; and celebrities are at the center of it all.

In June last year, music superstar Davido shut down Lagos when he led a retinue of celebrity friends to marry his longtime partner, Chioma.

Expectedly, it was star-studded, and it caused global sensation that captivated the world with its splendor.

Videos and images of the to-die-for event that left many stunned, flooded social media platforms, captivating audiences worldwide and establishing their place in the hearts of fans globally.

Standing in solidarity with this one celebrity are over 29.4 million fans who viewed and re-shared images and videos from the event.

In January last year, social media was on fire when Obi Cubanna and friends showed up in Ukpor South local government area of Anambra State for the burial of the mother of CEO, Zenco Group, Chief Cletus Uzoezie Oragwa.

Call it the celebrity effect, and you won?t be wrong.

Events like this give fans the opportunity to see their favourite celebrities, give weight to the event, and leave onlookers talking about the event long after it held.

In a digital age, especially on social media where the number of followers is the currency with which people trade, the mileage one celebrity gives to an event cannot be overemphasized.

It is in this light that Nigerians have become creative with their event guest list.

Individuals seeking mileage for their events and parties have escalated their parties to at least include one celebrity to give shine and clout to the event and this does not come for free!

Celebrities, who have also realised the value their appearance bring to an event, have resorted to monetize it ? what is now widely referred to as an ?Appearance Fee?

Although making an appearance refers to just a brief stop, most host require more than just a brief stop by a celebrity.

The length of time the celebrity will spend and whether or not he or she will mingle and have conversations with guests often go to determine how much is billed as appearance fee and this also vary from one celebrity to the other and from one event to the other.

A celebrity is in high demand if his or her most recent work is creating a buzz, has public visibility, and relevance in popular culture.

Such a celebrity with a huge fan base and compelling social media presence will without doubt, stand to charge higher fees than less known ones.

Understanding these dynamics will essentially help a potential host in planning for the financial implications of booking a celebrity.

Taking a celebrity outside of his or her base will attract additional fees to cover travel expenses.

Appearance fee vary from one celebrity to the other, the type of event whether corporate or private or even a charity and the specific assignment he or she is expected to carry out at the event.

Some celebrities contacted to shed light on this appearance fee declined speaking with Sunday Vanguard.

She explained that an appearance fee will be determined by the class of event.

According to her, high profile event such as awards shows or luxury brand launches will attract higher fees than smaller private gatherings.

?For events that require travel or longer commitments, I charge higher than otherwise?, she said.

A high fee will also be applicable to events that come to disrupt her schedule.

?If you need me when I?m busy and fully booked, I charge higher than when I?m not?.

For actress Anita Joseph her appearance fee depends on the location of the event as well as her relationship with the host.

She added a twist to it which is the kind of dress she will be required to wear.

?On the average if I am not buying a new dress or new hair, I can charge N700,000, N800,000 to a million naira and if I am traveling out of town, your money go long o!?, she said

Again Anita says: ?You know, we buy new dresses every time because we must appear right. I charge because I have put in work. If I am not a celebrity, you won?t be calling me to boost your event. My presence is very important and my time is money?.

?Celebrities charge appearance fees for events because their presence can significantly increase the event?s visibility, credibility, and attractiveness to attendees?, says Uche Ogbodo.

?By charging a fee, celebrities can capitalise on their fame and popularity, which can help event organisers attract a larger audience, generate buzz and publicity, enhance the event?s prestige and reputation and increase ticket sales or sponsorships where needed?.

And for this fee, a celebrity hired is typically expected to make a physical appearance like walk the red carpet, or take photos with the host or other important guests and interact with attendees by signing autographs for them.

Uche added that, sometimes, celebrities are expected to ?participate in a specific activity; e.g., give a speech, perform, or present an award?.

?The specific expectations can vary depending on the event, the celebrity?s contract, and the organiser?s goals?, she said.

Whether specified or not, promoting the event on their social media is also expected.

People desire celebrities at their events for several different reasons.

According to Uche Ogbodo, associating with celebrities can elevate the event?s prestige and the host?s social status.

?This is because celebrities have the capacity to bring excitement, glamour, and entertainment to an event, creating a platform for networking and opportunities for attendees to connect with influential people?.

Besides marketing and promotion of the events on social media, Uche says ?meeting or seeing a celebrity can create lifelong memories for attendees?.

At the heart of creating a memorable look for celebrities are the stylists.

They ensure that celebrities show up at events making heads turn in gorgeous outfits, picture perfect make-up and hair that compliments the outfit.

Celebrity stylist Yolanda Okereke says that in creating a red carpet look, a lot of processes go into it and all of these are not cheap!

According to her, ?celebrities are very specific when it comes to designs that they like?

She revealed that they pay particular attention to fit and comfort and a dress that allows for easy mobility.

?Some dresses cost over a million to make because of the intricacies of the fabric, style, the accessories and applique used on the outfit cost a lot of money.

?I have made an outfit that was worth N1.5 million before. I have made an outfit that was ?2,500, I have made an outfit that was 350, 000; so it depends on the style that was agreed to be made and specific to the event.

?So events like AMVCA that we know is all about fashion style and glamour, they go all out and you would spend a lot of money. That is why designers like Vikee James of this world and Lanre DaSilva, their money ranges in millions and these dresses are not dresses that are made overnight. Some dresses take about two weeks to produce them.

?So in 2025, in modern day Nigeria, if you want to create a red carpet look, it will be nothing less than a million naira because you would want to look like something that came out of Vogue or something out of GQ?.

So, if you are considering bringing celebrities to grace your event in order to make it a star-studded one, remember that it costs a lot of money to achieve that glamorous look you see in the red carpet and those dresses in most cases do not get a second chance to be seen on the red carpet and all these bills are piled into the appearance fee. (Vanguard)

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