Bahia's São João Festival Faces Public Scrutiny Over High Artist Fees

The Bahia Public Prosecutor's Office (MP‑BA) has asked the State Court of Accounts to force municipalities to lower the fees paid to artists for the 2026 São João celebrations. The agency highlighted that singer Gusttavo Lima will receive the highest fee – R$ 1.5 million for a single show in Itabuna – surpassing the previous record holders Zé Neto & Cristiano, who are each slated for R$ 905 thousand per performance.

Singer Del Feliz criticized the escalation, calling the practice “a shame” and defending fellow performer Flávio José, whose R$ 350 thousand fee he said was “more understandable”. He noted that contracts exceeding R$ 700 thousand will be subject to special attention, and that many artists are still paid well above that threshold. MP‑BA requested that municipalities present the administrative processes used to waive public bidding and adjust fees that exceed reference parameters by more than 10 %. The office warned that non‑compliance could lead to manager accountability and possible reimbursement to the public treasury.