Pallaso breaks down concert economics: Why cheap gate tickets don’t mean low profits

What the report says

Ugandan musician Pius Mayanja, known as Pallaso, is pushing back against the idea that lower concert gate charges automatically mean weaker business for performers. In comments reported by Sqoop Uganda, he said entry fees of Shs20,000 or Shs30,000 should not be judged in isolation because ordinary ticket sales are only one part of a wider event income structure.

Pallaso said the real financial picture for concerts in Uganda often depends on a mix of sources, including corporate sponsorship, VIP table sales and support from personal and professional networks. He argued that money from regular gate tickets is commonly used to cover event costs such as staging, service providers and taxes, rather than going straight into profit.

He also highlighted the value of premium packages aimed at wealthier guests, saying artists can earn significantly more from a smaller number of high-priced tables than from large volumes of standard admissions. His comments add to an ongoing industry debate about how ticket pricing affects artist branding, turnout and profitability.

As described by Sqoop Uganda, Pallaso’s view reflects a broader shift in live event planning in Uganda, where affordable general entry may be used to draw crowds while premium sales and sponsorships help strengthen overall returns.