Contracts with UNF Student Life reveal that artists Waka Flocka Flame and BigXThaPlug were paid a total of $220,000 for their performances at OzFest on Friday, March 6.

This is $100,000 less than what 2025 OzFest performers received when Lil Yachty earned $200,000, while Wale was paid $120,000.

Contract Breakdown

According to their contracts, Waka Flocka Flame was paid $45,000 while headliner BigXThaPlug was paid $175,000.

In the performers’ agreements with UNF, each artist established a set of requests ahead of OzFest 2026.

Waka Flocka Flame requested an assortment of items for his green room. The requests included no seedless fruit, organic juices, mixed-candy-and-nut trays, and a package of vegetable egg rolls. 

BigXThaPlug’s requests included a Doritos-and-Cheetos variety mix, a hummus platter, an organic fruit tray, and a case of assorted Welch’s juice.

While Spinnaker reached out to Student Life regarding the $100,000 pay decrease, the office has not responded as of publication.

According to the budget proposal that funds OzFest and similar events, the Office of Student Life was set to receive $700,514 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Student Thoughts

When UNF students learned of the collective pay decrease, it raised questions about Student Life’s fund allocation and the quality of OzFest performers.

Ashley Benson, a UNF sophomore, explained that even though they didn’t attend this year’s OzFest, they would be interested in knowing how Student Life allocates their funds.

“It definitely seems interesting, and I wish we could know how they pick artists,” said Benson. “I know they say it’s based on student opinions, but is it really just who they could afford?”

UNF junior Ty Hicks shared a similar sentiment, mentioning that he and his friends would prefer a more diverse OzFest setlist.

“Every year, it’s rappers, right, and that’s cool, but we only knew a couple songs from these guys,” said Hicks. “UNF needs different artists here for OzFest.”

___

For more information or news tips, or if you see an error in this story or have any compliments or concerns, contact [email protected].